2Se 


FROM   THE  LIBRARY  OF 
REV.   LOUIS    FITZGERALD    BENSON.  D.  D. 

BEQUEATHED   BY   HIM  TO 

THE  LIBRARY  OF 

PRINCETON  THEOLOGICAL  SEMINARY 


Division 


* 


THE 


WORKS 


OF 


r 


MRS.    ANNE    STEELE. 

COMPLETE  IN  TWO  VOLUMES. 


COMPREHENDING 

POEMS 

ON      SUBJECTS      CHIEFLY      DEVOTIONAL: 
AND 

MISCELLANEOUS    PIECES 

IN  PROSE  AND  VERSE  .* 
HERETOFORE   PUBLISHED   UNDER   THE   TITLE  OF 

THEODOSIA. 


f. .He  tunes 

My  voice  (if  tun'd) ;  the  nerve,  that  writes,  sustains. 

Night  Thought; 


VOL    I. 


BOSTON, 

Printed  and  published 

BY      MUNROE,     FRANCIS     AND     PARKER- 

Shakspeaxe  Bookstore,  No.  4  Cqrnhill. 


180*. 


ADVERTISEMENT 

OF      THE      AMERICAN      PUBLISHERS. 


The  works  of  Mrs.  Steele  were  published 
in  England  at  different  times.  Two  volumes, 
under  the  title  of  "  Poems  on  subjects  chiefly 
devotional,  by  Theodosia,"  appeared  in  the  year 
1760,  during  the  life  of  the  author  ;  a  third 
volume,  entitled  "  Miscellaneous  pieces  in  prose 
and  verse,"  was  published  in  1780,  after  her 
decease,  by  Rev.  Caleb  Evans  of  Bristol,  ac- 
companied with  a  new  impression  of  the  pre- 
ceding volumes.  The  editor  of  the  posthum- 
ous pieces  has  prefixed  to  his  volume  a  notice 
of  the  life  of  the  author,  which  in  this  edition 
should  more  properly  precede  the  whole  work, 
and  which  we  of  course  have  transposed. 

Boston,  December   1,  1808. 


Digitized  by  the  Internet  Archive 

in  2012  with  funding  from 

Calvin  College 


■ 
http://www.archive.org/detaife/worksofmrsannestOOstee 


ADVERTISEMENT 


OF    THE    ENGLISH    EDITOR. 


-It  may  possibly  be  some  gratification  to  those 
who  have  hitherto  been  ignorant  of  the  real  name  and 
character  of  the  pious  Theodosia,  whose  writings  have 
so  often  cheered  their  hours  of  solitude,  warmed  their 
hearts  with  the  love  of  virtue,  and  the  glow  of  friend- 
ship, and  animated  their  devotions  in  the  closet  and 
congregation,  to  be  informed  that  she  was  known  to 
her  more  intimate  friends  under  the  name  of  Mrs. 
Anne  Steele.  Her  father  was  a  dissenting  minister, 
a  man  of  primitive  piety,  the  strictest  integrity  and 
benevolence,  and  the  most  amiable  simplicity  of  man- 
ners. He  was  for  many  years  the  affectionate  and 
faithful  pastor  of  an  affectionate  and  harmonious  con- 
gregation at  Broughton  in  Hampshire,  where  he  lived 
all  his  days  greatly  beloved,  and  died  universally  la- 
mented. Mrs.  Anne  Steele,  his  eldest  daughter,  dis- 
covered in  early  life  her  love  of  the  muses,  and  often 
entertained  her  friends  with  the  truly  poetical  and 
pious  productions  of  her  pen  :  But  it  was  not  without 
extreme  reluctance  she  was  prevailed  on  to  submit  any 
of  them  to  the  public  eye.  This  new  edition  of  her 
works,  accompanied  with  the  volume  which  is  now 
first  offered  to   the  public,  would   have  appeared   long 


6  ADVERTISEMENT. 

since,  had  the  health  of  our  Theodosia  admitted  of  her 
paying  that  attention  to  it  which  was  necessary.  But 
it  was  her  infelicity,  as  it  has  been  of  many  of  her 
kindred  spirits,  to  have  a  capacious  soaring  mind  in- 
closed in  a  very  weak  and  languid  body.  Her  health 
was  never  firm,  but  the  death  of  her  honoured  father, 
to  whom  she  was  united  by  the  strongest  ties  of  affec- 
tionate duty  and  gratitude,  gave  such  a  shock  to  her 
feeble  frame,  that  she  never  entirely  recovered  it 
though  she  survived  him  some  years. 

Her  state  of  mind  upon  that  awful  occasion  will 
best  be  conceived  of,  from  the  following  affecting  de- 
scription of  it  by  herself,  and  which,  with  the  permis- 
sion of  the  family,  I  am  at  liberty  to  present  to  the 
public. 

"  Still  bleeds  the  deep,  *deep  wound  ! — Where  is  the  friend 

To  pour  with  tender,  kind  indulgent  hand, 

The  lenient  balm  of  comfort  on  my  heart  ? 

Alas,  that  friend  is  gone  ! — Ye  angels  say 

(Who  bore  him  raptured  to  your  blest  abodes) 

Can  ought  on  earth  compensate  for  my  loss  ! 

Ah,  no  !  the  world  is  poor,  and  what  am  I  ? 

A  helpless,  solitary  worm,  that  creeps 

Complaining  on  the  earth  !    Yet  even  to  worms 

The  care  of  heaven  extends,  and  can  I  doubt 

If  that  indulgent  care  extends  to  me  ? 

Father  of  mercies,  trembling  at  thy  feet, 

Give  me  to  vent  the  heart-oppressing  grief, 

And  ask  for  comfort  ! — can  I  ask  in  vain 

Of  him  whose  name  is  Love  ? — But  O  the  boon 

My  craving  wishes  ask  is  large  indeed  ! 

Yet  less  will  leave  me  wretched — Gracious  God, 

Give  me  to  say  without  a  rising  doubt, 

"  Thou  art  my  Father" — thy  paternal  love 

Alone  can  cheer  my  soul,  thy  kind  compassion 

Can  ease  the  load  of  heart-oppressing  grief. 

O  may  I  know  my  Father  pities  me  ! 

And  if  he  pities  sure  he  will  support : 


ADVERTISEMENT.  7 

What  cannot  love  omnipotent  effect  ?— — 

Ah  !  now  one  tender,  one  endearing"  tie 

That  held  me  down  to  earth,  death  has  torn  off, 

And  with  it  rent  my  heart  strings — bid  me  come, 

To  thee  my  refuge  ;  prostrate  at  thy  feet, 

O  bid  me  say,  with  faith  and  humble  hope, 

Heal,  gracious  father,  heal  my  bleeding  heart ! 

Thy  healing  hand  alone  can  bring  relief 

For  woes  like  mine  ;  can  bring  what  most  I  want, 

An  humble  resignation  to  thy  will. 

How  hard  the  lesson  !  (yet  it  must  be  learn'd) 

With  full  consent  to  say,  "  Thy  will  be  done." 

As  the  life  of  Theodosia  was  for  the  most  part  a 
life  of  retirement  in  the  peaceful  village  where  she 
began  and  ended  her  days,  it  cannot  be  expected  to 
furnish  such  a  variety  of  incidents  as  arise  in  the  his- 
tory of  those  who  have  moved  in  circles  of  greater  ac- 
tivity. The  duties  of  friendship  and  religion  occupied 
her  time,  and  the  pleasures  of  both  constituted  her 
delight.  Her  heart  was  'apt  to  feel'  too  often  to  a 
degree  too  painful  for  her  own  felicity,  but  always  with 
the  most  tender  and  generous  sympathies  for  her 
friends.  Yet  united  with  this  exquisite  sensibility,  she 
possessed  a  native  cheerfulness  of  disposition,  which 
not  even  the  uncommon  and  agonizing  pains  she  en- 
dured in  the  latter  part  of  her  life  could  deprive  her  of. 
In  every  short  interval  of  abated  suffering,  she  would 
in  a  variety  of  ways,  as  well  as  by  her  enlivening  con- 
versation, give  pleasure  to  all  around  her.  Her  life 
was  a  life  of  unaffected  humility,  warm  benevolence, 
sincere  friendship,  and  genuine  devotion,  A  life,  which 
it  is  not  easy  truly  to  describe,  or  faithfully  to  imitate. 

Having  been  confined  to  her  chamber  some  years 
before  her  death,  she    had  long  waited   with  christian 


8  ADVERTISEMENT. 

dignity  for  the  awful  hour  of  her  departure.  She  often 
spoke,  not  merely  with  tranquillity,  but  joy,  of  her 
decease.  When  the  interesting  hour  came,  she  wel- 
comed its  arrival,  and  though  her  feeble  body  was  ex- 
cruciated with  pain,  her  mind  was  perfectly  serene. 
She  uttered  not  a  murmuring  word,  but  was  all  resig- 
nation, peace,  and  holy  joy.  She  took  the  most  affec- 
tionate leave  of  her  weeping  friends  around  her,  and  at 
length,  the  happy  moment  of  her  dismission  arriving, 
she  closed  her  eyes,  and  with  these  animating  words 
on  her  dying  lips,  "  I  know  that  my  Redeemer  liveth," 
gently  fell  asleep  in  Jesus. 

Her  excellent  writings,  by  which  though  dead,  she 
still  speaketh,  and  which  are  the  faithful  counterpart 
of  her  amiable  mind,  exhibit  to  us  the  fairest  picture 
of  the  original.  The  following  lines  are  inscribed  on 
her  tomb  :— 

Silent  the  lyre,  and  dumb  the  tuneful  tongue, 
That  sung  on  earth  her  great  Redeemer's  praise  ; 
But  now  in  heaven  she  joins  the  angelic  song, 
In  more  harmonious,  more  exalted  lays. 

I  shall  only  add,  that  as  Theodosia  was  placed  by 
providence  in  a  state  of  independence,  and  religiously 
devoted  the  profits  arising  from  the  sale  of  the  former 
edition  of  her  works,  to  the  purposes  of  benevolence  ; 
so  the  profits  which  may  arise  from  this  edition  are 
appropriated  by  her  surviving  relatives,  to  the  use  of 
The  Bristol  Education  Society.  An  institution 
worthy  of  such  patronage,  and  which  thinks  itself  hon- 
oured in  receiving  it. 

CALEB  EVANS. 
Bristol,  (England)  May  12,  1780 


ELEGIAC   LINES. 


A  he  insertion  of  the  following  lines  may  per- 
haps need  some  apology,  as  they  are  merely  the  effu- 
sions of  a  heart  deeply  penetrated  "with  a  sense  of  its 
own  loss  ;  written  at  different  times,  for  its  private 
relief,  and  contain  nothing  more  concerning  the  dear 
deceased  than  has  been  already  said  in  the  preceding 
pages.— But  it  is  the  last,  the  only  expression  of  grat- 
itude and  affection,  that  can  ever  be  paid  to  her  mem- 
ory by  one  whom  she  fondly  loved,  and  who  in  losing 
her,  has  lost  one  of  her  chief  sources  of  happiness  in 
this  world  ;  this  thought  alone  has  occasioned  their 
publication,  and  it  is  hoped  will  be  a  sufficient  excuse 
for  it  to  every  feeling  mind. 

O  for  a  gush  of  soul-relieving  tears 
To  case  my  swelling-  heart  ! — Alas  in  vain 
1  look  around  for  comfort  !    every  place 
Cecals  some  circumstance  that  gives  to  grief 
A.  keener  edge  ! — The  hour,  the  dreaded  hour 
My  soul  has  shuddei'd  at  so  long,  is  come  ! 
Ah  !  where  is  now  that  friend,  to  whom  my  heart 
In  every  past  distress  was  wont  to  fly, 
While  the  dear  sufferer,  her  own  pains  forgot, 
Would  gently  sooth  my  passions  into  peace  ? 
Where  that  maternal  friend,  whose  watchful  care, 
Whose  fond,  assiduous  tenderness  sustain'd 
My  helpless  childhood  I  whose  instructive  voice. 
Sweet  as  the  song  of  seraphs)  mildly  taught 
B  VOL.   i. 


10  ELEGIAC    LINES. 

My  heedless  feet  the  sacred  path  of  virtue  ; 
That  sacred  path  of  pleasantness  and  peace 
She  long  had  trod.     And  shall  I  never,  never 
Hear  that  lov'd  voice — that  venerable  form 
No  more  behold  ? — Now  on  one  single  thread 
Hangs  all  my  desolated  soul's  support  ; 
That  broken  too,  and  every  earthly  hope 
Sinks  in  eternal  night. 

But  has  the  sorrowing  heart  no  other  refuge  I 
Methinks  I  hear  that  lov'd,  that  well-known  voice. 
Even  from  the  grave,  direct  my  erring  mind 
Beyond  death's  dreary  realms  to  fairer  scenes. 
Yes,  'tis  her  gentle  language — "  Seek  a  friend 
That  lives  for  ever." — Shall  I  not  obey 
Her  last  command,  her  dying  admonition  ? 
(Compassionate  Redeeme£  !  lead,  O  lead 
My  heart  to  thee,  and  teach'. it  to  repose 
Its  hope,  its  trust,  its  all  on  thee  alone  !) 
O  let  me,  with  a  miser's  care,  recall 
And  treasure  up  each  dear  instructive  sentence  ! 
Still  let  me  dwell  on  her  inspiring  page, 
And  bathe  it  with  the  grateful  tears  of  love  ! 
'Tis  all  I  now  have  left  ! — O  had  one  ray 
Of  her  ascended  genius  beam'd  on  me  ! 
Then  had  this  trembling  hand,  by  grief  unnerv'd, 
Faithful  to  truth,  to  gratitude,  pourtray'd 
The  lovely  lineaments  of  her  fair  mind. 
Vain  wish  ! — a  thousand  sad  ideas  rise, 
Daily  and  hourly  rise,  a  thousand  acts 
Of  tenderness  too  slightly  felt  before, 
Rush  o'er  my  soul  with  anguish  ever  new. 
How  shall  I  learn  to  live  without  her  aid  ! 
My  dearest  pleasures,  my  most  lov'd  employments 
She  taught  me  first  to  relish,  first  awak'd 
The  wish  for  knowledge — with  her  too  expir'd  ! 
Still,  still  to  her  indulgent  eye  was  shewn 


ELEGIAC    LINES.  1  1 

The  artless  lay,  still  her  ethereal  touch 
Gave  life  and  beauty  to  the  languid  line, 
Its  dearest  meed  her  animating-  smile. 
Now  all  is  o'er — in  vain  that  artless  lay 
Hath  venturM  into  light,  in  vain  I  hop'd 
To  give  her  pleasure,  that  indulgent  eye 
Is  clos'd  for  ever  !  her  complacent  smile 
Shall  animate  my  drooping  heart  no  more. 

Nature,  be  calm — ye  streaming  tears,  be  dry  ! 
Think  of  her  bliss,  and  check  this  selfish  sorrow. 
Torture  is  chang'd  to  transport,  faith  to  sight, 
And  hope  absorb'd  in  full  felicity. 
Ah  with  what  resignation,  what  composure 
Have  I  beheld  her  suffer  pains  unknown  ! 
Anguish  unspeakable  ! — her  faith,  her  patience 
Still  unsubdu'd  !   unquench'd  the  vivid  flame, 
Of  warm  benevolence  ! — to  others'  woes, 
In  agony  attentive, — anxious  sti  11 
For  others'  happiness, — how  would  she  strive 
(Her  gentle  hand  all  tremulous  with  pain) 
To  please  or  to  instruct  1 — how  have  I  hung 
In  silent  sorrow  o'er  her  painful  couch, 
And  wept  the  impotence  of  mortal  friendship  ! 
While  season  after  season,  years  on  years, 
Revolv'd  in  vain — revolv'd  but  to  confute 
The  flattering  dreams  of  hope,  while  added  sufferings 
But  bound  her  closer  to  this  bleeding  bosom. 

0  the  keen  pangs  of  parting  ! — Still  I  feel 
The  gentle  pressure  of  her  clay-cold  hand  ! 
Still  present  to  my  heart,  I  hear  her  voice  ! 

1  see  that  smile  by  dawning  heaven  imprest 
On  her  dear  countenance  !  when  all  serene, 
She  clos'd  her  willing  eyes — to  wake  in  heaven  ! 
O  could  I,  could  I  raise  my  languid  thoughts 

To  that  bright  world  of  glory  !    Could  I  view  her 
For  ever  reunited  to  that  friend, 


i'2  ELEGIAC    LINES. 

So  lov'd,  and  so  lamented  !  (the  deep  wound 

The  lenient  hand  of  time  could  never  heal.) 

"  Now  parting-  pangs  shall  rend  their  hearts  no  more," 

For  ever  present  with  a  smiling  God  ! 

For  ever  tuning  the  seraphic  lyre  ! 

There  only  sweeter  than  her  notes  below. 

Ah  whence  this  pause  ?    My  bleeding  heart  in  vain 
Attempts  to  soar,  but  sinks  to  earth  and  sorrow. 
Dwells  on  the  past,  and  sharpens  every  thought 
With  fruitless  self-upbraidings. — O  the  chaos 
Of  wild  distracted  thought  !  forgive  me,  heaven  ! 
Teach  me,  like  her,  to  say,  "  Thy  will  be  done  !" 
"  If  happy  minds  regard  the  scenes  below," 
(Soothing  idea  ! — By  thyself  inspir'd) 
Dear  spotless  saint,  O  look  with  pity  down 
On  her  whom  thy  maternal  care  sustain'd, 
And  thy  affection  bless'd  !  and,  though  unseen, 
Be  thou  my  guardian -angel  as  while  here  ! 
And  when  I  feel  a  wish  for  virtue  rise, 
I'll  tell  my  heart  my  Theodosia  prompts  it. 
O  may  thy  precepts,  thy  example  guide 
My  steps  through  life's  dark  maze  !    teach  me,  like  thee, 
With  duteous  love  to  cheer  a  father's  life  ! 
(A  father,  late  thy  all  as  well  as  mine  ;) 
That  one  dear  hope  alone  could  prompt  a  wish 
To  linger  in  that  world  which  thou  hast  left. 
That  one  dear  hope  fulfill'd,  O  may  my  dust 
Repose  with  thine,  and  (mercy  hear  the  prayer  !) 
My  deathless  spirit  freed,  for  ever  freed 
From  all  its  sins  and  frailties,  once  again 
Behold  (ah  not  as  when  on  earth  oppress'd 
With  pungent  pain)  behold  my  Theodosia  ! 
My  Theodosia  !    let  me,  let  me  still 
Repeat  the  much-lov'd  name  !    Still  must  her  image 
Dwell  in  my  heart  while  gratitude  exists, 
Cherish'd  with  life,  and  but  with  life  expire. 


CONTENTS. 


HYMNS. 

Page. 

±Jz siring  to  praise  God  25 

Imploring  divine  influences  26 

Meditating  on  creation  and  providence  27 

Redeeming"  love  30 

The  great  Physician  36 

Longing  souls  invited  to  the  gospel-feast  38 

Light  and  deliverance  39 

A  morning  hymn  41 

An  evening  hymn  42 

On  a  stormy  night  44 

Searching  after  happiness  45 

Weary  souls  invited  to  rest  47 

Thirsting  after  God  48 

The  favour  of  God  the  only  satisfying  good  49 

The  transforming  vision  of  God  50 

The  joys  of  heaven  52 

Humble  worship  SS 

Praise  for  national  peace  56 

The  voice  of  the  creatures  57 

A  rural  hymn  58 

God  my  creator  and  benefactor  63 
B  2 


14  CONTENTS. 

Page. 
Praise  to  God  for  the  blessings  of  providence  and  grace  65 
Christ  the  way  to  heaven  68 
Life  and  safety  in  Christ  alone  69 
An  evening  reflection  70 
The  excellency  of  the  holy  scriptures  72 
The  influences  of  the  spirit  of  jGod  in  the  heart  74 
Christ  the  physician  of  souls  76 
The  intercession  of  Christ  77 
The  condescension  of  God  78 
The  heavenly  Guest  79 
God  the  soul's  only  portion  80 
Faith  in  the  joys  of  heaven  82 
Strength  and  safety  in  God  alone  83 
A  funeral  hymn  85 
Sin  the  cause  of  sorrow  86 
Intreating  the  presence  of  Christ  in  his  churches  87 
Desiring  to  trust  in  God  88 
Watchfulness  and  prayer  89 
Divine  compassion  90 
Desiring  assurance  of  the  favour  of  God  92 
Hope  encouraged  in  the  contemplation  of  the  divine  per- 
fections 93 
The  incarnate  Saviour  94 
Faith  in  God  in  a  time  of  distress  95 
Pardoning  love  96 
The  goodness  of  God  97 
True  honour  98 
Divine  bounty  100 
The  heavenly  Conqueror  101 
Longing  after  unseen  pleasures  103 
The  christian's  prospect  104 
Life  a  journey  105 
True  happiness  to  be  found  only  in  God  107 
Lasting  happiness  108 
Bidding  adieu  to  earthly  pleasures  109 


CONTENTS.  1j 

Page. 
Longing1  for  immortality  110 
At  the  funeral  of  a  young  person  111 
Sin  the  sting  of  death  112 
The  presence  of  Christ  the  joy  of  his  people  113 
Absence  from  God  115 
Desiring  a  taste  of  real  joy  116 
Humble  reliance  117 
The  presence  of  God  the  life  and  light  of  the  soul  119 
Resigning  the  heart  to  God  120 
The  inconstant  heart  121 
Cold  affections  122 
Example  of  Christ  124 
Retirement  and  reflection  125 
Hope  in  darkness  127 
Death  and  heaven  128 
Redemption  by  Christ  alone  130 
The  mysteries  of  providence  131 
Refuge  and  strength  in  the  mercy  of  God  132 
Desiring  resignation  and  thankfulness  134 
Desiring  the  presence  of  God  136 
Christ  the  life  of  the  soul  137 
Aspiring-  towards  heaven  138 
God  my  only  happiness  140 
Mourning  the  absence  of  God,  and  longing  for  his  gra- 
cious presence  141 
God  the  only  refuge  of  the  troubled  mind  142 
Complaining  at  the  throne  of  grace  144 
Submission  to  God  under  affliction  146 
Trusting  in  divine  veracity  147 
Time  flying,  and  death  approaching  148 
Victory  over  deatli  through  Christ  150 
Christ  the  supreme  beauty  152 
The  promised  land  153 
The  heavenly  shepherd  155 
The  christian's  noblest  resolution  156 


16  CONTENTS. 

Page. 

The  Saviour's  invitation  157 

Jesus  the  best  beloved  158 

Desiring-  to  know  and  love  him  more  159 

The  glorious  presence  of  Christ  in  heaven  160 

The  happiness  of  the  saints  above  161 

Hymn  to  Jesus  163 

Praise  to  the  Redeemer  164 

Desiring-  to  love  Christ  without  wandering  166 

The  exalted  Saviour  167 

The  wonders  of  redemption  168 

Communion  with  Christ  at  his  table  169 

Faith  in  a  Redeemer's  sufferings  170 

A  dying  Saviour  171 

Meditating  on  the  Redeemer's  sufferings  173 

Sin  the  cause  of  Christ's  death  174 

Christ  dying  and  rising  175 

OCCASIONAL  POEMS. 

To  Lysander  179 

An  evening  meditation  181 

Happiness  183 

Pride  and  humility  184 

Imitation  of  Mr.  Pope's  ode  on  solitude  186 

On  friendship  188 

On  the  same  190 

Ode  to  content  191 

On  reason  193 

On  reading  Mr.  Hervey's  meditations  197 

A  simile  200 

A  meditation  on  death  201 

To  Delia  204 

To  Amira  on  her  marriage  205 

The  pleasures  of  spring  206 

On  the  sickness  of  a  friend  207 

The  fettered  mind  209 


CONTENTS.  17 

?age. 

To  a  friend  in  trouble  211 

The  absent  muse  213 

The  waste  of  time  214 

The  death-watch  215 

The  friend  216 

On  children's  play  218 

The  path  of  life  220 

To  the  votaries  of  pleasure  222 

On  the  public  fast,  Feb.  6,  1756.  224 
National  judgments  deprecated,  on  the  fast,  Feb.  11, 1757  226 

On  the  same,  pleading1  for  mercy  227 
National  judgments   and  mercies  a  call  to  repentance, 

Nov.  1757  229 

The  invocation  230 

To  Florio  233 

To  Belinda  235 

Resignation  236 

An  evening  walk  238 

The  humble  claim  240 

The  prospect  241 

Desiring  to  bid  adieu  to  the  world  246 
Occasioned  by  reading  Mr.  Gray's  hymn  to  Adversity         248 

To  a  friend,  on  the  death  of  a  child  250 

To  Delia  pensive  251 

Spring  and  autumn  252 

To  Vario  253 

To  Amira  on  her  recovery  254 

To  the  same,  on  the  death  of  her  child  255 

The  comforts  of  religion  256 

The  desire  of  knowledge  a  proof  of  immortality  258 

1  Corinthians,  xiii.  paraphrased  259 

To  a  friend,  on  the  birth  of  a  child  261 

To  the  mother  262 

The  tulip  and  the  violet  264 

Captivity  265 


18  CONTENTS- 

Page, 

A  reflection,  occasioned  by  the  death  of  a  neighbour  267 

On  the  death  of  Mr.  Hervey  268 

Ingratitude  reproved  270 
Submission  to  God  under  affliction,  and  desiring-  support     272 

Pleasure  275 

The  pilgrim  276 

Wrote  in  an  ill  state  of  health  in  the  spring  278 

Recovery  from  sickness  280 

A  rural  meditation  282 

Solitude  283 

To  Mr.  Hervey,  on  his  Theron  and  Aspasio  286 

The  picture  ;    to  Marinda  287 

Retirement  and  meditation  289 

No  true  happiness  below  292 

True  pleasure  in  divine  meditation  293 

The  faithfulness  of  God  296 

Love  to  Christ  297 

Devotion  298 

Encouragement  to  trust  in  God  300 

The  wish  301 

Divine  contemplation  302 

Refuge  in  distress  304 

Hope  reviving  in  the  contemplation  of  divine  mercy        305 

Eusebia  and  Urania,  or  devotion  and  the  muse  309 

Ambition  313 

Christ  the  christian's  life  314 

The  complaint  and  relief  316 

A  thought  in  sickness  321 

A  reflection  on  a  winter  evening  322 

The  elevation  324 


HYMNS 


ON 


VARIOUS    SUBJECTS. 


HYMNS 


VARIOUS    SUBJECTS. 


DESIRING  TO  PRAISE  GOD. 

I. 

Almighty  author  of  my  frame, 

To  thee  my  vital  pow'rs  belong  ; 
Thy  praise,  (delightful,  glorious  theme  !) 

Demands  my  heart,  my  life,  my  tongue. 
II. 
My  heart,  my  life,  my  tongue  are  thine  : 

Oh  be  thy  praise  their  blest  employ  I 
But  may  my  song  with  angels  join  ? 

Nor  sacred  awe  forbid  the  joy  ? 
III. 
Thy  glories,  the  seraphic  lyre 

On  all  its  strings  attempts  in  vain  ; 
Then  how  shall  mortals  dare  aspire 

In  thought,  to  try  th*  unequal  strain  ? 

C  VOL.  i. 


26  HYMNS    ON    VARIOUS    SUBJECTS. 

IV. 

Yet  the  great  Sov'reign  of  the  skies 

To  mortals  bends  a  gracious  ear  ; 
Nor  the  mean  tribute  will  despise, 

If  offer'd  with  a  heart  sincere. 
V. 
Great  God,  accept  the  humble  praise, 

And  guide  my  heart,  and  guide  my  tongue. 
While  to  thy  name  I  trembling  raise 

The  grateful,  though  unworthy  song. 


IMPLORING  DIVINE  INFLUENCES. 

I.  » 

JVLy  God,  whene'er  my  longing  heart 
Thy  praiseful  tribute  would  impart, 
In  vain  my  tongue  with  feeble  aim, 
Attempts  the  glories  of  thy  name. 

II. 
In  vain  my  boldest  thoughts  arise, 
I  sink  to  earth  and  lose  the  skies  ; 
Yet  I  may  still  thy  grace  implore, 
And  low  in  dust  thy  name  adore. 

III. 
O  let  thy  grace  my  heart  inspire, 
And  raise  each  languid,  weak  desire  ; 
Thy  grace,  which  condescends  to  meet 
The  sinner  prostrate  at  thy  feet. 


HYMNS    ON    VARIOUS    SUBJECTS.  27 

IV. 

With  humble  fear  let  love  unite, 
And  mix  devotion  with  delight  ; 
Then  shall  thy  name  be  all  my  joy, 
Thy  praise,  my  constant  blest  employ. 

V. 
Thy  name  inspires  the  harps  above 
With  harmony,  and  praise,  and  love  ; 
That  grace,  which  tunes  th'  immortal  strings, 
Looks  kindly  down  on  mortal  things. 

VI. 
O  let  thy  grace  guide  ev'ry  song, 
And  fill  my  heart  and  tune  my  tongue  ; 
Then  shall  the  strain  harmonious  flow, 
And  heav'n's  sweet  work  begin  below. 


MEDITATING   ON  CREATION  AND  PROV- 
IDENCE. 

I. 

Ajord,  when  my  raptur'd  thought  surveys 

Creation's  beauties  o'er, 
All  nature  joins  to  teach  thy  praise, 

And  bid  my  soul  adore. 
II. 
Where'er  I  turn  my  gazing  eyes, 

Thy  radiant  footsteps  shine  ; 
Ten  thousand  pleasing  wonders  rise, 

And  speak  their  source  divine. 


28  HYMNS    ON   VARIOUS   SUBJECTS. 

III. 

The  living  tribes  of  countless  forms, 

In  earth,  and  sea,  and  air  ; 
The  meanest  flies,  the  smallest  worms, 

Almighty  pow'r  declare. 
IV. 
All  rose  to  life  at  thy  command, 

And  wait  their  daily  food 
From  thy  paternal,  bounteous  hand, 

Exhaustless  spring  of  good  I 
V. 
The  meads,  array'd  in  smiling  green, 

With  wholesome  herbage  crown'd  4 
The  fields  with  corn,  a  richer  scene, 

Spread  thy  full  bounties  round. 
VI. 
The  fruitful  tree,  the  blooming  flow'r, 

In  varied  charms  appear  ; 
Their  varied  charms  display  thy  pow'r, 

Thy  goodness  all  declare. 
VII. 
The  sun's  productive  quick'ning  beams 

The  growing  verdure  spread  ; 
Refreshing  rains  and  cooling  streams 

His  gentle  influence  aid. 
VIII. 
The  moon  and  stars  his  absent  light 

Supply  with  borrow'd  rays, 
And  deck  the  sable  veil  of  night, 

And  speak  their  Maker's  praise. 


HYMNS    ON    VARIOUS    SUBJECTS. 
IX. 

Thy  wisdom,  pow'r,  and  goodness,  Lord, 

In  all  thy  works  appear  : 
And  O  let  man  thy  praise  record  ; 

Man,  thy  distinguish'd  care. 
X. 
From  thee  the  breath  of  life  he  drew  ; 

That  breath  thy  pow'r  maintains  ; 
Thy  tender  mercy  ever  new, 

His  brittle  frame  sustains. 
XL 
Yet  nobler  favours  claim  his  praise, 

Of  reason's  light  possest  ; 
By  revelation's  brighter  rays 

Still  more  divinely  blest. 
XII. 
Thy  providence,  his  constant  guard 

When  threat'ning  woes  impend, 
Or  will  th'  impending  dangers  ward, 

Or  timely  succours  lend. 
XIII. 
On  me  that  providence  has  shone 

With  gentle  smiling  rays  ; 
O  let  my  lips  and  life  make  known 

Thy  goodness,  and  thy  praise. 
XIV. 
All  bounteous  Lord,  thy  grace  impart  ; 

O  teach  me  to  improve 
Thy  gifts  with  ever  grateful  heart, 

And  crown  them  with  thy  love. 


€2 


30  HYMNS    ON    VARIOUS    SUBJECTS. 


REDEEMING  LOVE. 


v/ome,  heav'nly  love,  inspire  my  song 

With  thy  immortal  flame, 
And  teach  my  heart,  and  teach  my  tongue 

The  Saviour's  lovely  name. 
II. 
The  Saviour  !  O  what  endless  charms 

Dwell  in  the  blissful  sound  ! 
Its  influence  ev'ry  fear  disarms, 

And  spreads  sweet  comfort  round. 
III. 
Here  pardon,  life,  and  joys  divine 

In  rich  effusion  flow, 
For  guilty  rebels  lost  in  sin, 

And  doom'd  to  endless  woe. 
IV. 
In  our  first  parents'  crime  we  fell  ; 

Our  blood,  our  vital  breath 
Deep  ting'd  with  all  the  seeds  of  ill, 

Sad  heirs  to  sin  and  death. 
V. 
Black  o'er  our  wrath-devoted  heads 

Avenging  justice  frown'd  ; 
While  hell  disclos'd  her  deepest  shades, 

And  horrors  rose  around. 


HTM  MS    ON    VARIOUS    SUBJECTS. 

VI. 

Wrapp'd  in  the  gloom  of  dark  despair, 

We  helpless,  hopeless  lay  : 
But  sov'reign  mercy  reach'd  us  there, 

And  smil'd  despair  away. 
VII. 
God's  only  son,  (stupendous  grace  !) 

Forsook  his  throne  above  ; 
And  swift  to  save  our  wretched  race, 

He  flew  on  wings  of  love. 
VIII. 
Th'  almighty  former  of  the  skies 

Stoop'd  to  our  vile  abode  ; 
While  angels  view'd  with  wond'ring  eyes, 

And  hail'd  th'  incarnate  God. 
IX. 
The  God  in  heav'nly  strains  they  sung, 

Array'd  in  human  clay  : 
Mysterious  love  !  what  angel  tongue 

Thy  wonders  can  display  ? 
X. 
Mysterious  love,  in  ev'ry  scene, 

Through  all  his  life  appears  : 
His  spotless  life  expos'd  to  pain, 

And  miseries  and  tears. 
XL 
What  blessings  on  a  thankless  race 

His  bounteous  hand  bestow'd  1 
And  from  his  tongue  what  wond'rous  grace, 

What  rich  instruction  flow'd  ! 


32  HYMNS    ON   VARIOUS   SUBJECTS. 

XII. 

The  dumb,  the  deaf,  the  lame,  the  blind 

Confess'd  his  healing  pow'r  ; 
Disease  and  death  their  prey  resign'd, 

And  grief  complain'd  no  more. 
XIII. 
Infernal  legions  trembling  fled, 

Aw'd  by  his  pow'rful  word  : 
And  winds  and  seas  his  voice  obey'd, 

And  own'd  their  sov'reign  Lord. 
XIV. 
But  man,  vile  man,  his  love  abus'd, 

Blind  to  the  noblest  good  ; 
Blasphem'd  his  pow'r,  his  word  refus'd, 

And  sought  his  sacred  blood. 
XV. 
Still  his  unwearied  love  pursued 

Salvation's  glorious  plan  ; 
And  firm  th'  approaching  horrors  view'd, 

Deserv'd  by  guilty  man. 
XVI. 
What  pain,'  what  soul-oppressing  pain, 

The  great  Redeemer  bore  ; 
While  bloody  sweat,  like  drops  of  rain, 

Distill'd  from  ev'ry  pore  ! 
XVII. 
And  ere  the  dreadful  storm  descends 

Full  on  his  guiltless  head, 
See. him  by  his  familiar  friends 

Deserted  and  betray'd  ! 


HYMNS    ON    VARIOUS    SUBJECTS. 
XVIII. 

While  ruffian  bands  the  Lord  surround, 

Relentless,  murd'rous  foes  ; 
Meek,  as  a  lamb  for  slaughter  bound, 

The  patient  suff'rer  goes. 
XIX. 
Arraign'd  at  Pilate's  impious  bar, 

(Unparallel'd  disgrace  !) 
See  spotless  innocence  appear 

In  guilt's  detested  place  1 
XX. 
When  perj'ry  fails  to  stain  his  name, 

The  mob's  envenom'd  breath 
Extorts  his  sentence,  "  Publick  shame 

And  painful  lingering  death." 
XXI. 
Patient,  the  cruel  scourge  he  bore  : 

The  innocent,  the  kind  1 
Then  to  the  rabble's  lawless  pow'r 

And  rudest  taunts  consign'd. 
XXII. 
With  thorns  they  crown  that  awful  brow, 

Whose  frown  can  shake  the  globe  ', 
And  on  their  king  in  scorn  bestow 

The  reed  and  purple  robe. 
XXIII.. 
Ah  ! — see,  the  fatal  cross  appears, 

Heart-wounding,  dreadful  scene  I 
His  sacred  flesh  rude  iron  tears, 

With  agonizing  pain. 


34  HYMNS   ON    VARIOUS    SUBJECTS. 

XXIV. 

Expos'd  with  thieves,  to  publick  view- 
Could  nature  bear  the  sight  ? 
The  blushing  sun  his  beams  withdrew, 

And  wrapt  the  globe  in  night  1 
XXV. 
Then,  Oh  !  what  loads  of  wrath  unknown 

The  glorious  suff'rer  felt  ; 
For  crimes  unnumber'd  to  atone, 

To  expiate  mortal  guilt  ! 
XXVI. 
The  Father's  blissful  smile  withdrawn, 

In  that  tremendous  hour  ; 
Yet  still  the  God  sustain'd  the  man 

With  his  almighty  pow'r. 
XXVII. 
"  'Tis  finish'd,"  now  aloud  he  cries, 

"  No  more  the  law  requires  :" 
And  now,  (amazing  sacrifice  !) 

The  Lord  of  life  expires. 
XXVIII. 
Earth's  firm  foundation  felt  the  shock, 

With  universal  dread  ; 
Trembled  the  mountain,  rent  the  rock, 

And  wak'd  the  sleeping  dead  ! 
XXIX. 
Now  breathless  in  the  silent  tomb, 

His  sacred  body  lies  : 
Thither  his  lov'd  disciples  come, 

With  sorrow-streaming  eyes. 


HYMNS    ON    VARIOUS    SUBJECTS- 

XXX. 

But  see,  the  promis'd  morn  appear  ! 

Their  joy  revives  again  ; 
The  Saviour  lives  :  adieu  to  fear, 

To  ev'ry  anxious  pain. 
XXXI. 
His  kindest  words  their  doubts  remove, 

Confirm  their  wav'ring  faith  ; 
He  bids  tiiem  teach  the  world  his  love, 

Salvation  by  his  death. 

XXXII. 
Triumphant  he  ascends  on  high, 

The  glorious  work  complete  ; 
Sin,  death,  and  hell,  low  vanquish'd  lie 

Beneath  his  awful  feet. 

XXXIII. 
There  with  eternal  glory  crown'd, 

The  Lord,  the  conqueror,  reigns  ; 
His  praise  the  heav'nly  choirs  resound, 

In  their  immortal  strains. 
XXXIV. 
Amid  the  splendors  of  his  throne, 

Unchanging  love  appears  ; 
The  names  he  purchas'd  for  his  own, 

Still  on  his  heart  he  bears. 
XXXV. 
Still  with  prevailing  pow'r  he  pleads 

Their  cause  for  whom  he  died  ; 
His  spirit's  sacred  influence  sheds, 

Their  comforter  and  guide. 


36  HYMNS  ON   VARIOUS    SUBJECTS. 

XXXVI. 

For  them,  reserves  a  radiant  crown, 
Bought  with  his  dying  blood  ; 

And  worlds  of  light,  and  joys  unknown, 
Forever  near  their  God. 

XXXVII. 

0  the  rich  depths  of  love  divine  ! 
Of  bliss,  a  boundless  store  : 

Dear  Saviour,  let  me  call  thee  mine  ; 
I  cannot  wish  for  more. 

XXXVIII. 

1  yield,  to  thy  dear  conqu'ring  arms 

I  yield  my  captive  soul  : 
O  let  thy  all-subduing  charms 

My  inmost  pow'rs  controul  ! 
XXXIX. 
On  thee  alone  my  hope  relies  ; 

Beneath  thy  cross  I  fall, 
My  Lord,  my  life,  my  sacrifice, 

My  Saviour,  and  my  all. 


THE  GREAT  PHYSICIAN. 

Luke  vi.  19. 

I. 

Jl  e  mourning  sinners,  here  disclose 
Your  deep  complaints,  your  various  woes  ; 
Approach,  'tis  Jesus,  he  can  heal 
The  pains  which  mourning  sinners  feeL 


HYMNS   ON   VARIOUS    SUBJECTS.  37 

II. 

To  eyes  long  clos'd  in  mental  night, 
Strangers  to  all  the  joys  of  light, 
His  word  imparts  a  blissful  ray  : 
Sweet  morning  of  celestial  day  I 

III. 
Ye  helpless  lame,  lift  up  your  eyes, 
The  Lord,  the  Saviour  bids  you  rise  ; 
New  life  and  strength  his  voice  conveys, 
And  plaintive  groans  are  chang'dfor  praise. 

IV. 
Nor  shall  the  leper,  hopeless  lie 
Beneath  the  Great  Physician's  eye  ; 
Sin's  deepest  pow'r  his  word  controuls, 
That  fatal  leprosy  of  souls. 

V. 
That  hand  divine,  which  can  assuage 
The  burning  fever's  restless  rage  ; 
That  hand,  omnipotent  and  kind, 
Can  cool  the  fever  of  the  mind. 

VI. 
When  freezing  palsy  chills  the  veins, 
And  pale,  cold  death,  already  reigns, 
He  speaks  ;  the  vital  pow'rs  revive  : 
He  speaks,  and  dying  sinners  live. 

VII. 
Dear  Lord,  we  wait  thy  healing  hand  ; 
Diseases  fly  at  thy  command  : 
O  let  thy  sov'reign  touch  impart 
Life,  strength,  and  health  to  ev'ry  heart  ! 

D  VOL.  j. 


38  HYMNS    ON    VARIOUS  SUBJECTS. 

VIII. 

Then  shall  the  sick,  the  blind,  the  lame, 
Adore  their  Great  Physician's  name  ; 
Then  dying  souls  shall  bless  their  God, 
And  spread  thy  wond'rous  praise  abroad. 


LONGING   SOULS   INVITED   TO    THE 
GOSPEL-FEAST. 

Luke  xiv.  22. 
I. 
Jl  e  wretcheo),  hungry,  starving  poor, 

Behold  a  royal  feast  I 
Where  mercy  spreads  her  bounteous  store, 
For  ev'ry  humble  guest. 
II. 
See,  Jesus  stands  with  open  arms  ; 

He  calls,  he  bids  you  come  : 
Guilt  holds  you  back,  and  fear  alarms  ; 
But  see,  there  yet  is  room. 
III. 
Room  in  the  Saviour's  bleeding  heart  : 

There  love  and  pity  meet  ; 
Nor  will  he  bid  the  soul  depart, 
That  trembles  at  his  feet. 
IV. 
In  him,  the  Father  reconcil'd 

Invites  your  souls  to  come  ; 

The  rebel  shall  be  call'd  a  child, 

And  kindly  welcom'd  home. 


HYMNS    ON    VARIOUS    SUBJECTS. 

V. 

O  come,  and  with  his  children  taste 

The  blessings  of  his  love  ; 
While  hope  attends  the  sweet  repast, 

Of  nobler  joys  above. 

VI. 
There,  with  united  heart  and  voice, 

Before  th*  eternal  throne, 
Ten  thousand  thousand  souls  rejoice, 

In  ecstacies  unknown. 
VII. 
And  yet  ten  thousand  thousand  more^ 

Are  welcome  still  to  come  : 
Ye  longing  souls,  the  grace  adore  ; 

Approach,  there  yet  is  room. 


LIGHT  AND  DELIVERANCE, 

I. 

A  he  weary  trav'ller,  lost  in  night, 

Breathes  many  a  longing  sigh, 
And  marks  the  welcome  dawn  of  light, 

With  rapture  in  his  eye. 
II. 
Thus  sweet  the  dawn  of  heav'nly  day 

Lost  weary  sinners  find  j 
When  mercy  with  reviving  ray, 

Beams  o'er  the  fainting  mind. 


40  HYMNS   ON  VARIOUS   SUBJECTS. 

III. 

To  slaves  oppress'd  with  cruel  chains. 

How  kind,  how  clear  the  friend, 
Whose  gen'rous  hand  relieves  their  pains, 

And  bids  their  sorrows  end  i 
IV. 
Thus  kind,  thus  dear,  that  friend  divine 

Who  ransoms  captive  souls, 
Unbinds  the  cruel  chains  of  sin, 

And  all  its  pow'r  controuls. 
V. 
Jesus,  to  thy  soul-cheering  light, 

My  dawn  of  hope  I  owe  ; 
Once,  wand'ring  in  the  shades  of  night, 

And  lost  in  hopeless  woe. 
VI. 
'Twas  thy  dear  hand  redeem'd  the  slave? 

And  set  the  pris'ner  free  ; 
Be  all  I  am,  and  all  I  have, 

Devoted,  Lord,  to  thee  ! 
VII. 
But  stronger  ties  than  nature  knows, 

My  grateful  love  confine  ; 
And  ev'n  that  love,  thy  hand  bestows, 

Which  wishes  to  be  thine. 
VIII. 
Here,  at  thy  feet,  I  wait  thy  will, 

And  live  upon  thy  word  : 
O  give  me  warmer  love  and  zeal, 

To  serve  my  dearest  Lord.  • 


HYMNS  ON  VARIOUS  SUBJECTS.         41 


A  MORNING  HYMN. 


I. 

J_iORD  of  my  life,  O  may  thy  praise 

Employ  my  noblest  pow'rs, 
AVhose  goodness  lengthens  out  my  days, 

And  fills  the  circling  hours. 
II. 
Preserv'd  by  thy  almighty  arm, 

I  pass'd  the  shades  of  night, 
Serene,  and  safe  from  ev'ry  harm, 

And  see  returning  light. 
III. 
While  many  spent  the  night  in  sighs, 

And  restless  pains,  and  woes  ; 
In  gentle  sleep  I  clos'd  my  eyes, 

And  undisturb'd  repose. 
IV. 
When  sleep,  death's  'semblance  o'er  me  spread, 

And  I  inconscious  lay, 
Thy  watchful  care  was  round  my  bed, 

To  guard  my  feeble  clay. 
V. 
O  let  the  same  almighty  care 

My  waking  hours  attend  ; 
From  ev'ry  danger,  ev'ry  snare, 

My  heedless  steps  defend. 


D2 


42  HYMNS    ON    VARIOUS    SUBJECTS. 

VI. 

Smile  on  my  minutes  as  they  roll, 
And  guide  my  future  days  ; 

And  let  thy  goodness  fill  my  soul 
With  gratitude  and  praise. 


AN  EVENING  HYMN. 

I. 

Cxreat  God,  to  thee  my  ev'ning  song 
With  humble  gratitude  I  raise  : 
O  let  thy  mercy  tune  my  tongue, 
And  fill  my  heart  with  lively  praise. 

II. 
Mercy,  that  rich  unbounded  store, 
Does  my  unnumber'd  wants  relieve  ; 
Among  thy  daily,  craving  poor, 
On  thy  all-bounteous  hand  I  live. 

III. 
My  days  unclouded,  as  they  pass, 
And  ev'ry  gently  rolling  hour, 
Are  monuments  of  wond'rous  grace, 
And  witness  to  thy  love  and  pow'r. 

IV. 
Thy  love  and  pow'r,  (celestial  guard) 
Preserve  me  from  surrounding  harms  : 
Can  danger  reach  me,  while  the  Lord 
Extends  his  kind  protecting  arms  ? 


HYMN'S    ON    VARIOUS    SUBJECTS.  43 

V. 

My  num'rous  wants  are  known  to  thee, 
Ere  my  slow  wishes  can  arise  ; 
Thy  goodness  measureless  and  free, 
Is  ready  still  with  full  supplies. 

VI. 
And  yet  this  thoughtless,  wretched  heart, 
Too  oft  regardless  of  thy  love, 
Ungrateful,  can  from  thee  depart, 
And  fond  of  trifles  vainly  rove. 

VII. 
When  calm  reflection  finds  a  place, 
How  vile  this  wretched  heart  appears  ! 

0  let  thy  all-subduing  grace 
Melt  it  in  penitential  tears. 

VIII. 
Seal  my  forgiveness  in  the  blood 
Of  Jesus  :  his  dear  name  alone 

1  plead  for  pardon,  gracious  God, 
And  kind  acceptance  at  thy  throne. 

IX. 
Let  this  blest  hope  my  eyelids  close, 
With  sleep  refresh  my  feeble  frame  j 
Safe  in  thy  care  may  I  repose, 
And  wake  with  praises  to  thy  name. 


44  HYMNS   ON   VARIOUS    SUBJECTS. 


ON  A  STORMY  NIGHT. 


I. 

JLord  of  the  earth,  and  seas,  and  skies, 
All  nature  owns  thy  sovereign  pow'r  ; 
At  thy  command  the  tempests  rise, 
At  thy  command  the  thunders  roar. 

II. 
We  hear,  with  trembling  and  affright, 
The  voice  of  heav'n,  (tremendous  sound  !) 
Keen  lightnings  pierce  the  shades  of  night, 
And  spread  bright  horrors  all  around. 

III. 
What  mortal  could  sustain  the  stroke, 
Should  wrath  divine  in  vengeful  storms, 
(Which  our  repeated  crimes  provoke,) 
Descend  to  crush  rebellious  worms  ? 

IV. 
These  dreadful  glories  of  thy  name 
With  terror  would  o'erwhelm  our  souls  ; 
But  mercy  dawns  with  kinder  beam, 
And  guilt  and  rising  fear  controuls. 

V. 
O  let  thy  mercy  on  my  heart 
With  cheering,  healing  radiance  shine  ; 
Bid  ev'ry  anxious  fear  depart, 
And  gently  whisper,  Thou  art  mine. 


HYMN'S    ON    VARIOUS    SUBJECTS.  45 


VI. 

Then  safe  beneath  thy  guardian  care, 
In  hope  serene  my  soul  shall  rest  ; 
Nor  storms  nor  clangers  reach  me  there, 
In  thee,  my  God,  my  refuge,  blest. 


SEARCHING  AFTER  HAPPINESS. 

I. 

O  happiness,  thou  pleasing  dream, 

Where  is  thy  substance  found  ? 
Sought  through  the  varying  scenes  in  vain, 

Of  earth's  capacious  round. 
II. 
The  charms  of  grandeur,  pomp,  and  shew, 

Are  nought  but  gilded  snares  ; 
Ambition's  painful  steep  ascent, 

Thick  set  with  thorny  cares. 
III. 
The  busy  town,  the  crouded  street, 

Where  noise  and  discord  reign, 
We  gladly  leave,  and  tir'd,  retreat 

To  breathe  and  think  again. 
IV. 
Yet  if  retirement's  pleasing  charms 

Detain  the  captive  mind, 
The  soft  enchantment  soon  dissolves  ; 

'Tis  empty  all  as  wind. 


46  HYMNS   ON   VARIOUS    SUBJECTS. 

V. 

Religion's  sacred  lamp  alone, 

Unerring  points  the  way, 
Where  happiness  forever  shines 

With  unpolluted  ray  : 
VI. 
To  regions  of  eternal  peace, 

Beyond  the  starry  skies, 
Where  pure,  sublime,  and  perfect  joys 

In  endless  prospect  rise. 
VII. 
There  Jesus,  source  of  bliss  divine, 

Our  glorious  leader  reigns  ; 
He  gives  us  strength  to  hold  our  way, 

And  crowns  the  traveller's  pains. 
VIII. 
Dear  Saviour,  let  thy  cheering  smile 

My  fainting  soul  renew  ; 
Then  shall  the  heav'nly  Canaan  yield 

A  sweet,  though  distant  view, 
IX. 
Be  thy  almighty  arm  my  stay, 

My  guide  through  all  the  road, 
Till  safe  I  reach  my  journey's  end, 

My  Saviour,  and  my  God. 


HYMNS    OX    VARIOUS    SUBJECTS.  47 


WEARY  SOULS  INVITED  TO  REST. 

Mat.  xi.  28. 

r  * 

v'ome  weary  souls  with  sin  distrest, 
The  Saviour  offers  heav'nly  rest  ; 
The  kind,  the  gracious  call  obey, 
And  cast  your  gloomy  fears  away. 

II. 
Oppress'd  with  guilt,  a  painful  load, 
O  come,  and  spread  your  woes  abroad  ; 
Divine  compassion,  mighty  love, 
Will  all  the  painful  load  remove. 

III. 
Here  mercy's  boundless  ocean  flows, 
To  cleanse  your  guilt  and  heal  your  woes  ; 
Pardon,  and  life,  and  endless  peace — 
How  rich  the  gift  !  how  free  the  grace  I 

IV. 
Lord,  we  accept  with  thankful  heart, 
The  hope  thy  gracious  words  impart  ; 
We  come  with  trembling,  yet  rejoice, 
And  bless  the  kind  inviting  voice. 

V. 
Dear  Saviour,  let  thy  pow'rful  love 
Confirm  our  faith,  our  fears  remove, 
And  sweetly  influence  ev'ry  breast. 
And  guide  us  to  eternal  rest- 


48  HYMNS   ON   VARIOUS   SUBJECTS. 


THIRSTING  AFTER  GOD. 

Isaiah  xli.  17, 

I. 

W  hen  fainting  in  the  sultry  waste, 

And  parch'd  with  thirst  extreme, 
The  weary  pilgrim  longs  to  taste 

The  cool,  refreshing  stream  ; 
II. 
Should,  sudden,  to  his  hopeless  eye 

A  crystal  spring  appear, 
How  would  th'  enliv'ning  sweet  supply 

His  drooping  spirits  cheer  ! 
III. 
So  longs  the  weary  fainting  mind, 

Oppress'd  with  sins  and  woes, 
Some  soul-reviving  spring  to  find, 

Whence  heavenly  comfort  flows. 
IV. 
Thus  sweet  the  consolations  are, 

The  promises  impart  ; 
Here  flowing  streams  of  life  appear, 

To  ease  the  panting  heart. 
V. 
O  may  I  thirst  for  thee,  my  God, 

With  ardent,  strong  desire  ; 
And  still,  through  all  this  desart  road, 

To  taste  thy  grace  aspire. 


HYMNS    ON    VARIOUS    SUBJECTS.  09 

VI. 

Then  shall  my  prayer  to  thee  ascend, 

A  grateful  sacrifice  ; 
My  plaintive  voice  thou  wilt  attend, 

And  grant  me  lull  supplies. 


THE  FAVOUR  OF   GOD   THE  ONLY  SATIS- 
FYING GOOD. 

Psalm  iv.  6,  7. 
I. 

In  vain  the  erring  world  inquires, 

For  true  substantial  good  : 
While  earth  confines  their  low  desires, 

They  live  on  airy  food. 
II. 
Illusive  dreams  of  happiness, 

Their  eager  thoughts  employ  ; 
They  wake,  convine'd  their  boasted  bliss 

Was  visionary  joy. 

III. 
Begone,  ye  gilded  vanities  ; 

I  seek  some  solid  good  ; 
To  real  bliss  my  wishes  rise, 

The  favour  of  my  God. 
IV. 
My  God,  to  thee  my  soul  aspires  ; 

Dispel  the  shades  of  night, 
Enlarge  and  fill  these  vast  desires, 

With  infinite  delight. 

E  VOL.  I. 


50  HYMNS    ON    VARIOUS    SUBJECTS. 

V. 

Immortal  joy  thy  smiles  impart, 

Heav'n  dawns  in  ev'ry  ray  ; 
One  glimpse  of  thee  will  glad  my  heart, 

And  turn  my  night  to  day. 
VI. 
Not  all  the  good  which  earth  bestows, 

Can  fill  the  craving  mind  ; 
Its  highest  joys  are  mingled  woes, 

And  leave  a  sting  behind. 
VII. 
Should  boundless  wealth  increase  my  store,- 

Can  wealth  my  cares  beguile  ? 
I  should  be  wretched  still,  and  poor 

Without  thy  blissful  smile. 
VIII. 
Grant,  O  my  God,  this  one  request  : 

Oh,  be  thy  love  alone 
My  ample  poi  tion, — here  I  rest, 

For  heav'n  is  in  the  boon. 


THE  TRANSFORMING  VISION  OF  GOD, 

Psalm  xvii.  \b. 


I. 

JVIy  God,  the  visits  of  thy  face 

Afford  superior  joy, 
To  all  the  flatt'ring  world  can  give, 

Or  mortal  hopes  employ. 


HYMNS    ON    VARIOUS    SUBJECTS.  51 

II. 

But  clouds  and  darkness  intervene, 

My  brightest  joys  decline, 
And  earth's  gay  trifles  oft  ensnare 

This  wand'ring  heart  of  mine. 
III. 
Lord,  guide  this  wand'ring  heart  to  thee  : 

Unsalisfy'd  I  stray  : 
Break  thro'  the  shades  of  sense  and  sin, 

With  thine  enlivening  ray. 
IV 
O  let  thy  beams  resplendent  shine, 

And  ev'ry  cloud  remove  ; 
Transform  my  pow'rs,  and  fit  my  soul 

For  happier  scenes  above. 
V. 
There  Jesus  reigns  !  may  I  be  cloath'd 

With  his  divine  array  ; 
And  when  I  close  these  eyes  in  death, 

Awake  to  endless  day  : 
VI. 
To  endless  day  !  to  perfect  life  ! 

To  bliss  without  alloy  ! 
Where  not  the  least  faint  cloud  shall  rise, 

To  intercept  the  joy  : 

VII. 
To  view,  unveil'd,  thy  radiant  face, 

Thou  everlasting  fair  ! 
And,  chang'd  to  spotless  purity, 

Thy  glorious  likeness  wear  : 


52  HYMNS   ON   VARIOUS    SUBJECTS. 

VIII. 

To  feast,  with  ever  new  delight, 

On  uncreated  good  ; 
And  drink  full  satisfying  draughts 

Of  pleasure's  sacred  flood. 
IX. 
O  bliss  too  high  for  mortal  thought  ! 

It  awes,  and  yet  inspires  : 
Fain  would  my  soul,  unfetter'd,  rise 

In  more  intense  desires. 
X. 
Lord,  raise  my  faith,  my  hope,  my  heart, 

To  those  transporting  joys  ; 
Then  shall  I  scorn  each  little  snare, 

Which  this  vain  world  employs  : 
XI. 
Then,  though  I  sink  in  death's  cold  sleep, 

I  shall  awake  to  bliss, 
And  in  the  likeness  of  my  God, 

Find  endless  happiness. 


THE  JOYS  OF  HEAVEN. 

I. 

Lvome,  Lord,  and  warm  each  languid  heart. 

Inspire  each  lifeless  tongue  ; 
And  let  the  joys  of  heav'n  impart 

Their  influence  to  our  song. 


HYMNS    ON    VARIOUS    SUBJECTS.  53 

II. 

Then  to  the  shining  seats  of  bliss 

The  wings  of  faith  shall  soar, 
And  all  the  charms  of  Paradise 

Our  raptur'd  thoughts  explore. 
III. 
Pleasures,  unsullied,  flourish  there, 

Beyond  the  reach  of  time  : 
Not  blooming  Eden  smil'd  so  fair, 

In  all  her  fiow'ry  prime. 
IV. 
No  sun  shall  gild  the  blest  abode 

With  his  meridian  ray, 
But  the  more  radiant  throne  of  God 

Diffuse  eternal  day. 

V. 
Sorrow,  and  pain,  and  ev'ry  care, 

And  discord  there  shall  cease, 
And  perfect  joy  and  love  sincere 

Adorn  the  realms  of  peace. 
VI. 
The  soul,  from  sin  for  ever  free, 

Shall  mourn  its  pow'r  no  more  ; 
But  cloath'd  in  spotless  purity, 

Redeeming  love  adore. 
VII. 
There  on  a  throne,  (how  dazzling  bright  !) 

Th'  exalted  Saviour  shines  ; 
And  beams  ineffable  delight 

On  all  the  heav'nly  minds. 


E2 


54  HYMNS    ON    VARIOUS    SUBJECTS. 

VIII. 

There  shall  the  followers  of  the  Lamb 

Join  in  immortal  songs  ; 
And  endless  honours  to  his  name 

Employ  their  tuneful  tongues. 
IX. 
While  sweet  reflection  calls  to  mind 

The  scenes  of  mortal  care, 
When  God,  their  God,  for  ever  kind, 

Was  present  to  their  pray'r  ; 
X. 
How  will  the  wonders  of  his  grace 

In  their  full  lustre  shine  ? 
His  wisdom,  pow'r,  and  faithfulness, 

All  glorious  !  all  divine  ! 
XI. 
The  Saviour,  dying,  rising,  crown'd, 

Shall  swell  the  lofty  strains, 
Seraph  and  saint  his  praise  resound, 

Through  all  th'  etherial  plains. 
XII. 
But  oh  !  their  transports,  oh  !  their  songs, 

What  mortal  thought  can  paint  ? 
Transcendent  glory  awes  our  tongues, 

And  all  our  notes  are  faint. 
XIII. 
Lord,  tune  our  hearts  to  praise  and  love, 

Our  feeble  notes  inspire  ; 
Till  in  thy  blissful  courts  above, 

We  join  the  heav'nly  choir. 


HYMNS    ON    VARIOUS    SUBJECTS.  55 


HUMBLE  WORSHIP. 


I. 

Ctreat  King  of  kings,  eternal  God, 
Shall  mortal  creatures  dare  to  raise 
Their  songs  to  thy  supreme  abode, 
And  join  with  angels  in  thy  praise  ? 

II. 
The  brightest  Seraph  veils  his  face  ; 
And  low  before  thy  dazzling  throne, 
With  prostrate  homage  all  confess 
Thou  art  the  infinite  unknown. 

III. 
Man,  ah  how  far  remov'd  below, 
Wrapt  in  the  shades  of  gloomy  night  : 
His  brightest  day  can  only  show 
A  few  faint  streaks  of  distant  light. 

IV. 
But  see,  the  bright,  the  morning-star  ! 
His  beams  shall  chase  the  shades  away  ; 
His  beams,  resplendent  from  afar, 
Sweet  promise  of  immortal  day  ! 

V. 
To  him,  our  longing  eyes  we  raise, 
Our  guide  to  thee,  the  great  unknown, 
Through  him,  O  may  our  humble  praise 
Accepted  rise  before  thy  throne. 


56  HYMNS   ON   VARIOUS   SUBJECTS. 


PRAISE  FOR  NATIONAL  PEACE. 

Psalm  xlvi.  9. 

I. 

Cjtreat  Ruler  of  the  earth  and  skies, 
A  word  of  thy  almighty  breath 
Can  sink  the  world,  or  bid  it  rise  : 
Thy  smile  is  life,  thy  frown  is  death. 

II. 
When  angry  nations  rush  to  arms, 
And  rage  and  noise,  and  tumult  reign, 
And  war  resounds  its  dire  alarms, 
And  slaughter  spreads  the  hostile  plain  ; 

III. 
Thy  sov'reign  eye  looks  calmly  down, 
And  marks  their  course,  and  bounds  their  pow'r  ; 
Thy  word  the  angry  nations  own, 
And  noise  and  war  are  heard  no  more. 

IV. 
Then  peace  returns  with  balmy  wing, 
(Sweet  peace  !  with  her  what  blessings  fled  !) 
Glad  plenty  laughs,  the  vallies  sing, 
Reviving  commerce  lifts  her  head. 

V. 
Thou  good,  and  wise,  and  righteous  Lord, 
All  move  subservient  to  thy  will  ; 
And  peace  and  war  await  thy  word, 
And  thy  sublime  decrees  fulfil. 


HYMNS    ON    VARIOUS    SUBJECTS.  57 

VI. 

To  thee  we  pay  our  grateful  songs, 
Thy  kind  protection  still  implore  : 
O  may  our  hearts,  and  lives,  and  tongues 
Confess  thy  goodness  and  adore. 


THE  VOICE  OF  THE  CREATURES. 

I. 

J.  here  is  a  God,  all  nature  speaks, 
Through  earth,  and  air,  and  seas,  and  skies  : 
See,  from  the  clouds  his  glory  breaks, 
When  the  first  beams  of  morning  rise  : 

II. 
The  rising  sun,  serenely  bright, 
O'er  the  wide  world's  extended  frame, 
Inscribes,  in  characters  of  light, 
His  mighty  Maker's  glorious  name. 

III. 
Diffusing  life,  his  influence  spreads, 
And  health  and  plenty  smile  around, 
And  fruitful  fields,  and  verdant  meads, 
Are  with  a  thousand  blessings  crown'd. 

IV. 
Almighty  goodness,  pow'r  divine, 
The  fields  and  verdant  meads  display  ; 
And  bless  the  hand  which  made  them  shine 
With  various  charms  profusely  gay. 


58  HYMNS    ON    VARIOUS    SUBJECTS. 

V. 

For  man  and  beast,  here  daily  food 
In  wide  diffusive  plenty  grows  ; 
And  there,  for  drink,  the  crystal  flood 
In  streams  sweet  winding,  gently  flows. 

VI. 
By  cooling  streams,  and  soft'ning  show'rs, 
The  vegetable  race  are  fed, 
And  trees,  and  plants,  and  herbs,  and  flow'rs^ 
Their  Maker's  bounty  smiling  spread. 

VII. 
The  flow'ry  tribes,  all  blooming,  rise 
Above  the  faint  attempts  of  art  : 
Their  bright,  inimitable  dyes 
Speak  sweet  conviction  to  the  heart. 

VIII. 
Ye  curious  minds,  who  roam  abroad, 
And  trace  creation's  wonders  o'er, 
Confess  the  footsteps  of  the  God, 
And  bow  before  him,  and  adore. 


A  RURAL  HYMN 
I. 


J.  o  your  creator  God, 
Your  great  preserver,  raise, 
Ye  creatures  of  his  hand, 
Your  highest  notes  of  praise  : 


HYMNS    ON    VARIOUS    SUBJECTS.  59 

Let  ev'ry  voice 

Proclaim  his  pow'r, 

His  name  adore, 

And  loud  rejoice. 

II. 
Let  all  creation  join 
To  pay  the  tribute  due  ; 
Ye  meaner  ranks  begin, 
And  man  shall  learn  of  you  : 

Let  nature  raise 

From  ev'ry  tongue, 

A  gen'ral  song 

Of  grateful  praise. 

III. 
Ye  num'rous  fleecy  flocks, 
Far  spreading  o'er  the  plain, 
With  gentle  artless  voice, 
Assist  the  humble  strain  : 

To  give  you  food, 

He  bids  the  field 

Its  verdure  yield  ; 

Extensive  good. 

IV. 
Ye  herds  of  larger  size, 
Who  feed  in  meads  below, 
Resound  your  Maker's  praise 
In  each  responsive  low  : 

You  wait  his  hand  ; 
The  herbage  grows, 
The  riv'let  flows, 
At  his  command. 


60  HYMNS   ON    VARIOUS    SUBJECTS. 

V. 

Ye  feather'd  warblers  come, 
And  bring  your  sweetest  lays, 
And  tune  the  sprightly  song 
To  your  Creator's  praise  : 

His  work  you  are  ; 

He  tun'd  your  voice, 

And  you  rejoice 

Beneath  his  care. 

VI. 
Ye  trees,  which  form  the  shade, 
Or  bend  the  loaded  bough 
With  fruits  of  various  kinds, 
Your  Maker's  bounty  shew  : 

From  him  you  rose, 

Your  vernal  suits, 

And  autumn  fruits, 

His  hand  bestows. 

VII. 
Ye  lovely,  verdant  fields, 
In  all  your  green  array, 
Though  silent,  speak  his  praise, 
Who  makes  you  bright  and  gay  : 

While  we  in  you, 

With  future  bread 

Profusely  spread, 

His  goodness  view. 


HYMNS    ON    VARIOUS    SUBJECTS.  61 

VIII. 

Ye  flow'rs,  which  blooming  shew 
A  thousand  beauteous  dyes, 
Your  sweetest  odours  breathe, 
A  fragrant  sacrifice, 

To  him,  whose  word 

Gave  all  your  bloom, 

And  sweet  perfume  ; 

All-bounteous  Lord  ! 
IX. 
Ye  rivers,  as  you  flow, 
Convey  your  Maker's  name, 
(Where'er  you  winding  rove) 
On  ev'ry  silver  stream  : 

Your  cooling  flood, 

His  hand  ordains 

To  bless  the  plains  ; 

Great  spring  of  good  I 
X. 
Ye  winds,  that  shake  the  world 
With  tempests  on  your  wing, 
Or  breathe  in  gentler  gales, 
To  waft  the  smiling  spring  ; 

Proclaim  abroad, 

(As  you  fulfil 

His  sov'reign  will) 

The  pow'rful  God. 

XI. 
Ye  clouds,  or  fraught  with  show'rs, 
Or  ting'd  with  beauteous  dyes, 


C2  HYMNS    ON    VA1UOUS    SUBJECTS-. 

That  pour  your  blessings  down, 
Or  charm  our  gazing  eyes  ; 

His  goodness  speak, 

His  praise  declare. 

As  through  the  air 

You  shine  or  break. 
XII. 
Thou  source  of  light  and  heat, 
Bright  sovereign  of  che  day, 
Dispensing  blessings  round, 
With  all-diffusive  ray  ; 

From  morn  to  night, 

With  ev'ry  beam, 

Record  his  name, 

Who  made  thee  bright. 
XIIL 
Fair  regent  of  the  night, 
With  all  thy  starry  train, 
Which  rise  in  shining  hosts, 
To  gild  the  azure  plain  ; 

With  countless  rays 

Declare  his  name, 

Prolong  the  theme, 

Reflect  his  praise. 

XIV. 
Let  ev'ry  creature  join 
To  celebrate  his  name, 
And  all  their  various  pow'rs 
Assist  th'  exalted  theme. 

Let  nature  raise 

From  ev'ry  tongue, 


HYMNS    ON    VARIOUS    SUBJECTS.  63 

A  gen'ral  song 

Of  grateful  praise. 

XV. 
But  oli  !  from  human  tongues 
Should  nohler  praises  flow  ; 
And  ev'ry  thankful  heart, 
With  warm  devotion  glow  : 

Your  voices  raise, 

Ye  highly  blest 

Above  the  rest  ; 

Declare  his  praise. 

XVI. 
Assist  me,  gracious  God, 
My  heart,  my  voice  inspire  ; 
Then  shall  I  grateful  join 
The  universal  choir  : 

Thy  grace  can  raise 

My  heart,  my  tongue, 

And  tune  my  song 

To  lively  praise. 


GOD  MY  CREATOR  AND  BENEFACTOR, 

I. 

-M.Y  Maker,  and  my  King, 
To  thee  my  all  I  owe  ; 
Thy  sov'reign  bounty  is  the  spring 
From  whence  my  blessings  flow. 


64  HYMNS   ON   VARIOUS    SUBJECTS, 

II. 

Thou  ever  good,  and  kind, 

A  thousand  reasons  move, 
A  thousand  obligations  bind, 

My  heart  to  grateful  love. 
III. 

The  creature  of  thy  hand, 

On  thee  alone  I  live  : 
My  God,  thy  benefits  demand 

More  praise  than  life  can  give. 
IV. 

Oh  !  what  can  I  impart, 

When  all  is  thine  before  ? 
Thy  love  demands  a  thankful  heart, 

The  gift,  alas,  how  poor  ! 
V. 

Shall  I  withhold  thy  due  ? 

And  shall  my  passions  rove  ? 
Lord,  form  this  wretched  heart  anew. 

And  fill  it  with  thy  love. 
VI. 

O  let  thy  grace  inspire 

My  soul  with  strength  divine  ; 
Let  all  my  pow'rs  to  thee  aspire, 

And  all  my  days  be  thine, 


HYMNS    OS    VARIOUS    SUBJECTS.  65 


PRAISE  TO  GOD  FOR   THE  BLESSINGS  OF 
PROVIDENCE  AND  GRACE. 

I. 

Almighty  Father,  gracious  Lord, 

Kind  guardian  of  my  days, 
Thy  mercies,  let  my  heart  record 

In  songs  of  grateful  praise. 
II. 
In  life's  first  dawn,  my  tender  frame 

Was  thy  indulgent  care, 
Long  ere  I  could  pronounce  thy  name, 

Or  breathe  the  infant  pray'r. 
III. 
When  reason  with  my  stature  grew, 

How  weak  her  brightest  ray  ! 
How  little  of  my  God  I  knew  ] 

How  apt  from  thee  to  stray  ! 
IV. 
Around  my  path  what  dangers  rose  ! 

What  snares  spread  all  my  road  ! 
No  pow'r  could  guard  me  from  my  foes 

But  my  preserver,  God. 
V. 
When  life  hung  trembling  on  a  breath, 

'Twas  thy  almighty  love 
That  sav'd  me  from  impending  death, 

And  bad  my  fears  remove. 


F2 


66  hymns  on  various  subjects, 

VI. 

How  many  blessings  round  me  shone, 

Where'er  I  turn'd  my  eye  ! 
How  many  pass'd  almost  unknown, 
Or  unregarded,  by. 

VII. 
Each  rolling  year  new  favours  brought 

From  thy  exhaustless  store  : 
But  ah  !  in  vain  my  lab'ring  thought 
Would  count  thy  mercies  o'er. 
VIII. 
While  sweet  reflection,  through  my  days 

Thy  bounteous  hand  would  trace  ; 
Still  dearer  blessings  claim  my  praise, 
The  blessings  of  thy  grace. 
IX. 
Yes,  I  adore  thee,  gracious  Lord, 

For  favours  more  divine  ; 
That  I  have  known  thy  sacred  word, 
Where  all  thy  glories  shine. 
X. 
'Tis  here,  I  view  with  pleasing  pain, 

How  Jesus  left  the  sky, 
(Almighty  love  !  surprizing  scene  !) 
For  man,  lost  man,  to  die. 
XI. 
When  blest  with  that  transporting  view, 

That  Jesus  died  for  me, 
For  this  sweet  hope  what  praise  is  due, 
O  God  of  grace,  to  thee  ! 


HYMNS    ON    VARIOUS    SUBJECTS. 

xh. 

And  may  I  hope  that  Christ  is  mine  ? 

That  source  of  ev'ry  bliss, 
That  noblest  gift  of  love  divine — 

What  wond'rous  grace  is  this  ! 
XIII. 
My  highest  praise,  alas,  how  poor  ! 

How  cold  my  warmest  love  ! 
Dear  Saviour,  teach  me  to  adore 

As  angels  do  above. 

XIV. 
But  frail  mortality  in  vain 

Attempts  the  blissful  song  ; 
The  high,  the  vast,  the  boundless  strain, 

Claims  an  immortal  tongue. 
XV. 
Lord,  when  this  mortal  frame  decays, 

And  ev'ry  weakness  dies, 
Complete  the  wonders  of  thy  grace, 

And  raise  me  to  the  skies. 
XVI. 
Then  shall  my  joyful  pow'rs  unite, 

In  more  exalted  lays, 
And  join  the  happy  sons  of  light, 

In  everlasting  praise. 


68  HYMNS    ON    VARIOUS    SUBJECTS. 


CHRIST  THE  WAY  TO  HEAVEN. 


I. 

J  esus,  the  spring  of  joys  divine. 
Whence  all  my  hopes  and  comforts  flow  ; 
Jesus,  no  other  name  but  thine 
Can  save  me  from  eternal  woe. 

II. 
In  vain  would  boasting  reason  find 
The  way  to  happiness  and  God  ; 
Her  weak  directions  leave  the  mind 
Bewilder'd  in  a  dubious  road. 

III. 
No  other  name  will  heav'n  approve  ; 
Thou  art  the  true,  the  living  way, 
(Ordain'd  by  everlasting  love,) 
To  the  bright  realms  of  endless  day. 

IV. 
Here  let  my  constant  feet  abide, 
Nor  from  the  heav'nly  path  depart  ; 
O  let  thy  spirit,  gracious  guide, 
Direct  my  steps,  and  cheer  my  heart. 

V. 
Safe  lead  me  through  this  world  of  night, 
And  bring  me  to  the  blissful  plains, 
The  regions  of  unclouded  light, 
Where  perfect  joy  for  ever  reigns. 


HYMN'S    ON    VARIOUS    SUBJECTS.  69 


LIFE  AND  SAFETY  IN  CHRIST  ALONE. 

John  vi.  68. 

I. 

J.  hou  only  sovereign  of  my  heart, 
My  refuge,  my  almighty  friend,— 
And  can  my  soul  from  thee  depart, 
On  whom  alone  my  hopes  depend  ? 

II. 
Whither,  ah  !  whither  shall  I  go, 
A  wretched  wand'rer  from  my  Lord  ? 
Can  this  dark  world  of  sin  and  woe 
One  glimpse  of  happiness  afford  ? 

III. 
Eternal  life  thy  words  impart, 
On  these  my  fainting  spirit  lives  ; 
Here  sweeter  comforts  cheer  my  heart, 
Than  all  the  round  of  nature  gives. 

IV. 
Let  earth's  alluring  joys  combine, 
While  thou  art  near,  in  vain  they  call  ; 
One  smile,  one  blissful  smile  of  thine, 
My  dearest  Lord,  outweighs  them  all. 

V. 
Thy  name  my  inmost  pow'rs  adore, 
Thou  art  my  life,  my  joy,  my  care  : 
Depart  from  thee — 'tis  death, — 'tis  more, 
Tis  endless  ruin,  deep  despair. 


70  HYMNS   ON   VARIOUS    SUBJECTS. 

VI. 

Low  at  thy  feet  my  soul  would  lie, 
Here  safety  dwells,  and  peace  divine  j 
Still  let  me  live  beneath  thine  eye, 
For  life,  eternal  life  is  thine. 


AN  EVENING  REFLECTION, 

I. 

Another  day  is  past, 

The  hours  for  ever  fled, 
And  time  is  bearing  me  in  haste, 

To  mingle  with  the  dead. 
II. 

Perhaps  my  closing  eyes 

No  more  may  hail  the  light, 
Seal'd  up,  before  the  morning  rise. 

In  everlasting  night. 
III. 

But  I've  a  part  to  live, 

A  never  dying  ray, 
The  soul,  immortal)  will  survive 

The  ruins  of  her  clay. 
IV. 

This  mortal  frame  must  lie 

Unconscious  in  the  tomb, 
But  oh  !  where  will  my  spirit  fly, 

And  what  will  be  her  doom  ? 


HYMNS    OX    VARIOUS    SUBJECTS.  71 

V. 

On  the  tremendous  brink 

Of  vast  eternity, 
Where  souls  with  strange  amazement  shrink, 

What  will  my  prospect  be  ? 
VI. 

When  the  dark  gulph  below, 

With  death  and  horror  fraught) 
Reveals  its  scenes  of  endless  woe — 

Oh  dreadful,  dreadful  thought  ! 
VII. 

But  lo  !  yon  shining  skies 

Beam  down  a  cheerful  ray, 
And  bid  my  drooping  hopes  arise 

To  glorious  realms  of  day. 
VIII. 

'Tis  there  my  Saviour  lives, 

My  Lord,  my  life,  my  light  ; 
His  blissful  name  my  soul  revives — 

Adieu  to  death  and  night. 
IX. 

He  conquer'd  death  and  hell, 

And  his  victorious  love 
Shall  bear  his  ransom'd  friends,  to  dwell 

In  his  bright  courts  above. 
X. 

Jesus  !  and  art  thou  mine  ? 

O  let  thy  heav'nly  voice 
Confirm  my  hope  with  pow'r  divine, 

And  bid  my  soul  rejoice. 


72  HYMNS    ON   VARIOUS   SUBJECTS, 

XI. 

Then  shall  my  closing  eyes, 
Contented,  sink  to  rest  ; 
For  if  to  night  this  body  dies, 
My  spirit  shall  be  blest. 


THE  EXCELLENCY  OF  THE  HOLY  SCRIP- 
TURES. 

I. 

X1  ather  of  mercies,  in  thy  word 

What  endless  glory  shines  ; 
Forever  be  thy  name  ador'd 

For  these  celestial  lines. 
II. 
Here,  mines  of  heav'nly  wealth  disclose 

Their  bright,  unbounded  store  : 
The  glitt'ring  gem  no  longer  glows, 

And  India  boasts  no  more. 
III. 
Here,  may  the  wretched  sons  of  want 

Exhaustless  riches  find  : 
Riches,  above  what  earth  can  grant, 

And  lasting  as  the  mind. 
IV. 
Here,  the  fair  tree  of  knowledge  grows, 

And  yields  a  free  repast  ; 
Sublimer  sweets  than  nature  knows, 

Invite  the  longing  taste. 


HYMNS    ON    VARIOUS    SUBJECTS.  73 

V. 

Here  may  the  blind  and  hungry  come, 

And  light,  and  food  receive  ; 
Here,  shall  the  meanest  guest  have  room. 

And  taste,  and  see,  and  live. 
VI. 
Amidst  these  gloomy  wilds  below, 

When  dark  and  sad  we  stray  ; 
Here,  beams  of  heav'n  relieve  our  woe. 

And  guide  to  endless  day. 
VII. 
Here,  springs  of  consolation  rise, 

To  cheer  the  fainting  mind  ; 
And  thirsty  souls  receive  supplies, 

And  sweet  refreshment  find. 
VIIL 
When  guilt  and  terror,  pain  and  grief, 

United  rend  the  heart, 
Here,  sinners  meet  divine  relief, 

And  cool  the  raging  smart. 
IX. 
Here,  the  Redeemer's  welcome  voice, 

Spreads  heav'nly  peace  around  ; 
And  life,  and  everlasting  joys 

Attend  the  blissful  sound. 
X. 
But  when  his  painful  sufferings  rise, 

(Delightful,  dreadful  scene  !) 
Angels  may  read  with  wond'ring  eves. 

That  Jesus  died  for  men. 


74  HYMNS   ON    VARIOUS   SUBJECTS. 

XI. 

O  may  these  heav'nly  pages  be 

My  ever  dear  delight, 
And  still  new  beauties  may  I  see, 

And  still  increasing  light. 
XII. 
Divine  instructor,  gracious  Lord, 

Be  thou  forever  near, 
Teach  me  to  love  thy  sacred  word, 

And  view  my  Saviour  there. 


THE   INFLUENCES   OF   THE    SPIRIT   OF 
GOD  IN  THE  HEART. 

John  xiv.  16,  17. 

I. 

JJear  Lord,  and  shall  thy  Spirit  rest 
In  such  a  wretched  heart  as  mine  ? 
Unworthy  dwelling  !  glorious  guest  ! 
Favour  astonishing,  divine  ! 

II. 
When  sin  prevails,  and  gloomy  fear, 
And  hope  almost  expires  in  night, 
Lord,  can  thy  Spirit  then  be  here, 
Great  spring  of  comfort,  life,  and  light  ? 

III. 
Sure  the  blest  Comforter  is  nigh, 
5Tis  he  sustains  my  fainting  heart ; 
Else  would  my  hopes  forever  die, 
And  ev'ry  cheering  ray  depart. 


/TYMNS    ON    VARIOUS    SUBJECTS.  75 

IV. 

When  some  kind  promise  glads  my  soul, 
Do  I  not  find  his  healing  voice 
The  tempest  of  my  fears  controul, 
And  bid  my  drooping  pow'rs  rejoice  ? 

V. 
Whene'er  to  call  the  Saviour  mine, 
With  ardent  wish  my  heart  aspires, 
Can  it  be  less  than  pow'r  divine, 
Which  animates  these  strong  desires  ? 

VI. 
What  less  than  thy  almighty  word, 
Gan  raise  my  heart  from  earth  and  dust, 
And  bid  me  cleave  to  thee,  my  Lord, 
My  life,  my  treasure,  and  my  trust  ? 

VII. 
And  when  my  cheerful  hope  can  say* 
I  love  my  God,  and  taste  his  grace, 
Lord,  is  it  not  thy  blissful  ray, 
Which  brings  this  dawn  of  sacred  peace  I 

VIII. 
Let  thy  kind  Spirit  in  my  heart 
Forever  dwell,  O  God  of  love, 
And  light  and  heav'nly  peace  impart, 
Sweet  earnest  of  the  joys  above. 


76  HYMNS  ON  VARIOUS   SUBJECTS. 


CHRIST   THE   PHYSICIAN   OF   SOULS. 

Jerem.  viii.  22. 

I. 

JJeef  are  the  wounds  which  sin  hath  made  ; 

Where  shall  the  sinner  find  a  cure  ? 

In  vain,  alas,  is  nature's  aid, 

The  work  exceeds  all  nature's  pow'r. 

II. 
Sin  like  a  raging  fever  reigns, 
With  fatal  strength  in  ev'ry  part  ; 
The  dire  contagion  fills  the  veins, 
And  spreads  its  poison  to  the  heart. 

III. 
And  can  no  sov'reign  balm  be  found, 
And  is  no  kind  physician  nigh, 
To  ease  the  pain,  and  heal  the  wound, 
Ere  life  and  hope  forever  fly  ? 

IV. 
There  is  a  great  Physician  near, 
Look  up,  O  fainting  soul,  and  live  ; 
See,  in  his  heav'nly  smiles,  appear 
Such  ease  as  nature  cannot  give  ! 

V. 
See,  in  the  Saviour's  dying  blood, 
Life,  health,  and  bliss,  abundant  flow  I 
'Tis  only  this  dear,  sacred  flood 
Can  ease  thy  pain,  and  heal  thy  woe. 


HYMN'S    ON    VARIOUS    SUBJECTS. 

VI. 

Sin  throws  in  vain  its  pointed  dart. 
For  here  a  sov'reign  cure  is  found  ; 
A  cordial  for  the  fainting  heart, 
A  balm  for  ev'ry  painful  wound. 


THE    INTERCESSION   OF   CHRIST. 

Heb.  vii.  25. 

I. 

He  lives,  the  great  Redeemer  lives, 
(What  joy  the  blest  assurance  gives  !) 
And  now  before  his  Father  God, 
Pleads  the  full  merits  of  his  blood. 

II. 
Repeated  crimes  awake  our  fears, 
And  justice,  arm'd  with  frowns,  appears  ; 
But  in  the  Saviour's  lovely  face 
Sweet  mercy  smiles,  and  all  is  peace. 

III. 
Hence  then,  ye  black  despairing  thoughts  ; 
Above  our  fears,  above  our  faults, 
His  pow'rful  intercessions  rise, 
And  guilt  recedes,  and  terror  dies. 

IV. 
In  ev'ry  dark  distressful  hour, 
When  sin  and  Satan  join  their  pow'r  ; 
Let  this  dear  hope  repel  the  dart, 
That  Jesus  bears  us  on  his  heart. 
G2 


78  HYMNS  ON   VARIOUS   SUBJECTS. 

V. 

Great  advocate,  almighty  friend — 
On  him  our  humble  hopes  depend  ; 
Our  cause  can  never,  never  fail, 
For  Jesus  pleads,  and  must  prevail. 


THE   CONDESCENSION   OF   GOD. 

1  Kings  viii.  27. 

I. 

Xjternal  pow'r,  almighty  God, 

Who  can  approach  thy  throne  ? 
Accessless  light  is  thy  abode, 

To  angel-eyes  unknown. 
II. 
Before  the  radiance  of  thine  eye 

The  heav'ns  no  longer  shine, 
And  all  the  glories  of  the  sky 

Are  but  the  shade  of  thine. 
III. 
Great  God,  and  wilt  thou  condescend 

To  cast  a  look  below, 
To  this  vile  world  thy  notice  bend, 

These  seats  of  sin  and  woe  ? 
IV. 
But  oh  !  to  shew  thy  smiling  face, 

To  bring  thy  glories  near- 
Amazing  and  transporting  grace 

To  dwell  with  mortals  here  ! 


HYMNS    ON   VARIOUS    SUBJECTS.  7CJ 

V. 

How  strange  !  how  awful  is  thy  love  1 

With  trembling  we  adore  : 
Not  all  th'  exalted  minds  above 

Its  wonders  can  explore. 
VI. 
While  golden  harps,  and  angel  tongues 

Resound  immortal  lays, 
Great  God,  permit  our  humble  songs 

To  rise  and  mean  thy  praise. 


THE   HEAVENLY    GUEST. 

Rev.  iii.  20. 

I. 

And  will  the  Lord  thus  condescend 

To  visit  sinful  worms  ? 
Thus  at  the  door  shall  mercy  stand 

In  all  her  winning  forms  ? 
II. 
Surprizing  grace  ! — and  shall  my  heart 

Unmov'd  and  cold  remain  ? 
Has  this  hard  rock  no  tender  part  ? 

Must  mercy  plead  in  vain  ? 
III. 
Shall  Jesus  for  admission  sue, 

His  charming  voice  unheard  ? 
And  this  vile  heart,  his  rightful  due, 

Remain  for  ever  barr'd  ? 


80  HYMNS   ON   VARIOUS   SUBJECTS, 

IV. 

'Tis  sin,  alas,  with  tyrant  pow'r 

The  lodging  has  possest  ; 
And  crouds  of  traitors  bar  the  door 

Against  the  heav'nly  guest. 
V. 
Lord,  rise  in  thy  all-conqu'ring  grace, 

Thy  mighty  pow'r  display  ; 
One  beam  of  glory  from  thy  face 

Can  drive  my  foes  away. 
VI. 
Ye  dang'rous  inmates,  hence  depart  ; 

Dear  Saviour,  enter  in, 
And  guard  the  passage  to  my  heart, 

And  keep  out  ev'ry  sin. 


GOD  THE  SOUL'S  ONLY  PORTION, 

Lam.  iii.  24. 

I. 

Xn  vain  the  world's  alluring  smile 
"Would  my  unwary  heart  beguile  : 
Deluding  world  !  its  brightest  day, 
Dream  of  a  moment,  fleets  away  1 

II. 
Earth's  highest  pleasures,  could  they  last, 
Would  pall  and  languish  on  the  taste  ; 
Such  airy  chaff  was  ne'er  design'd 
To  feed  th'  immortal,  craving  mind. 


HYMNS    ON    VARIOUS    SUBJECTS. 
III. 

To  nobler  bliss  my  soul  aspires, 
Come,  Lord,  and  fill  these  vast  desires  ; 
Be  thou  my  portion,  here  I  rest, 
Since  of  my  utmost  wish  possest. 

IV. 
O  let  thy  sacred  word  impart 
Its  sealing  influence  to  my  heart  ; 
With  pow'r,  and  light,  and  love  divine, 
Assure  my  soul  that  thou  art  mine. 

V. 
The  blissful  word,  with  joy  replete, 
Shall  bid  my  gloomy  fears  retreat, 
And  heav'n-born  hope,  serenely  bright, 
Shine  cheerful  through  this  mortal  night. 

VI. 
Then  shall  my  joyful  spirit  rise 
On  wings  of  faith  above  the  skies  ; 
And  when  these  transient  scenes  are  o'er, 
And  this  vain  world  shall  tempt  no  more  : 

VII. 
O  may  I  reach  the  blissful  plains, 
Where  thy  unclouded  glory  reigns, 
And  dwell  forever  near  thy  throne 
In  joys  to  mortal  thought  unknown. 


32  HYMNS   ON   VARIOUS    SUBJECTS, 


FAITH  IN  THE  JOYS  OF  HEAVEN. 

2  Cor.  v.  7. 

I. 

Jp  aith  leads  to  joys  beyond  the  sky  ; 

Why  then  is  this  weak  mind 
Afraid  to  raise  a  cheerful  eye 

To  more  than  sense  can  find  ? 
II. 
Sense  can  but  furnish  scenes  of  woe, 

In  this  low  vale  of  tears  ; 
No  groves  of  heav'nly  pleasures  grow, 

No  paradise  appears. 

III. 
Ah  !  why  should  this  mistaken  mind 

Still  rove  with  restless  pain  ? 
Delight  on  earth  expect  to  find, 

Yet  still  expect  in  vain  ? 
IV. 
Faith,  rising  upward,  points  her  view 

To  regions  in  the  skies  ; 
There  lovelier  scenes  than  Eden  knew, 

In  bright  perspective  rise. 
V. 
Oh  !  if  this  heav'n-born  grace  were  mine. 

Would  not  my  spirit  soar, 
Transported  gaze  on  joys  divine, 

And  cleave  to  earth  no  more  ? 


HYMNS    ON    VARIOUS    SUBJECTS.  83 

VI. 

If  in  my  heart  true  faith  appears, 

How  weak  the  sac  red  ray  ! 
Feebly  aspiring,  prest  with  fears, 

Almost  it  dies  away. 

VII. 
O  thou,  from  whose  almighty  breath 

It  first  began  to  rise, 
Purge  off  these  mists,  these  dregs  of  earth, 

And  bid  it  reach  the  skies. 
VIII. 
Let  this  weak,  erring  mind  no  more, 

On  earth  bewilder'd  rove, 
But  with  celestial  ardour  soar 

To  endless  joys  above. 


STRENGTH  AND  SAFETY  IN  GOD  ALONE, 

Psalm  cv.  4. 

i. 

iermit  me,  Lord,  to  seek  thy  face, 

Obedient  to  thy  call, 
To  seek  the  presence  of  thy  grace, 

My  strength,  my  life,  my  all. 
II. 
All  I  can  wish  is  thine  to  give  ; 

My  God,  I  ask  thy  love, 
That  greatest  bliss  I  can  receive, 

That  bliss  of  heav'n  above. 


84  HYMNS   ON    VARIOUS   SUBJECTS. 

III. 

In  these  dark  scenes  of  pain  and  woe, 

What  can  my  spirit  find  ? 
No  happiness  can  dwell  below, 
To  fill  th'  immortal  mind. 
IV. 
To  heav'n  my  restless  heart  aspires  : 

O  for  a  quick'ning  ray, 
T*  invigorate  my  faint  desires, 
And  cheer  the  tiresome  way. 
V. 
The  path  to  thy  divine  abode, 
Through  a  wild  desart  lies  ; 
A  thousand  snares  beset  the  road3 
A  thousand  terrors  rise. 
VI. 
Satan  and  sin  unite  their  art, 

To  keep  me  from  my  Lord  : 
Dear  Saviour,  guard  my  trembling  heart, 
And  guide  me  by  thy  word. 
VII. 
Whene'er  the  tempting  foe  alarms, 

Or  spreads  the  fatal  snare, 
I'll  fly  to  my  Redeemer's  arms, 
For  safety  must  be  there. 
VIII. 
My  guardian,  my  almighty  friend, 

On  thee,  my  soul  would  rest  ; 
On  thee  alone,  my  hopes  depend, 
Be  near,  and  I  am  blest. 


HYMN'S    OS    VARIOUS    SUBJECTS.  8  5 


A  FUNERAL  HYMN. 


I. 

\V  hile  to  the  grave  our  friends  are  borne,. 

Around  their  cold  remains 
How  all  the  tender  passions  mourn, 
And  each  fond  heart  complains  ! 
II. 
But  down  to  earth,  alas,  in  vain 
We  bend  our  weeping  eyes  ; 
Ah  !  let  us  leave  these  seats  of  pain, 
And  upward  learn  to  rise. 
III. 
Hope  cheerful  smiles  amid  the  gloom, 

And  beams  a  healing  ray, 
And  guides  us  from  the  darksome  tomb, 
To  realms  of  endless  day. 
IV. 
Jesus,  who  left  his  blest  abode, 

(Amazing  grace  !)  to  die, 
Mark'd,  when  he  rose,  the  shining  road 
To  his  bright  courts  on  high. 
V. 
To  those  bright  courts,  when  hope  ascends, 

The  tears  forget  to  flow  ; 
Hope  views  our  absent  happy  friends, 
And  calms  the  swelling  woe: 

H  VOL.  7, 


86  HYMNS   ON   VARIOUS   SUBJECTS. 

VI. 

Then  let  our  hearts  repine  no  more, 

That  earthly  comfort  dies, 
But  lasting  happiness  explore, 

And  ask  it  from  the  skies. 


SIN   THE   CAUSE    OF   SORROW. 

I. 

J,  he  pains  that  wait  our  fleeting  breath. 
Too  oft  my  mournful  thoughts  employ  ; 
Amid  the  gloomy  shades  of  death, 
The  hope  of  heav'n  is  life,  is  joy. 

II. 
But  ah  !  how  soon  the  blissful  ray 
With  guilt  o'ershaded,  disappears  : 
JTis  sin  alone,  that  clouds  my  day, 
'Tis  sin  alone,  deserves  my  tears. 

III. 
Yes,  I  have  cause  indeed  to  mourn, 
When  God  conceals  his  radiant  face  ; 
And  pray  and  long  till  he  return, 
With  smiles  of  sweet  forgiving  grace. 

IV. 
Then  weep  my  eyes,  complain  my  heart, 
But  mourn  not,  hopeless  of  relief  i 
For  sov'reign  mercy  will  impart 
Its  healing  beams,  to  ease  my  grief. 


HYMNS    ON    VARIOUS    SUBJECTS.  87 

V. 

The  Saviour  pleads  his  dying  blood, 
Awake  my  hope,  away  my  fears  ; 
Through  him  I'll  seek  my  absent  God, 
Till  his  returning  smile  appears. 


ENTREATING  THE  PRESENCE  OF  CHRIST 
IN   HIS   CHURCHES. 

Hag.  xi.  7. 
I. 

I^ome,  thou  desire  of  all  thy  saints, 

Our  humble  strains  attend, 
While  with  our  praises  and  complaints 

Low  at  thy  feet  we  bend. 
II. 
When  we  thy  wond'rous  glories  hear, 

And  all  thy  suff 'rings  trace, 
What  sweetly  awful  scenes  appear  ! 

What  rich  unbounded  grace  ! 
III. 
How  should  our  songs,  like  those  above, 

With  warm  devotion  rise  ! 
How  should  our  souls,  on  wings  of  love, 

Mount  upward  to  the  skies  ! 
IV. 
But  ah  !  the  song,  how  cold  it  flows  ! 

How  languid  our  desire  ! 
How  faint  the  sacred  passion  glows. 

Till  thou  the  heart  inspire  ! 


88         HYMNS  ON  VARIOUS  SUBJECTS. 

V. 

Come,  Lord,  thy  love  alone  can  raise 

In  us  the  heav'nly  flame  ; 
Then  shall  our  lips  resound  thy  praise, 

Our  hearts  adore  thy  name. 
VI. 
Dear  Saviour,  let  thy  glory  shine^ 

And  fill  thy  dwellings  here, 
Till  life,  and  love,  and  joy  divine 

A  heav'n  on  earth  appear. 
VII. 
Then  shall  our  hearts  enraptur'd  say, 

Come,  great  Redeemer,  come, 
And  bring  the  bright,  the  glorious  day, 

That  calls  thy  children  home. 


DESIRING    TO   TRUST    IN   GOD. 

Isai.  xxvi.  4. 

I. 

(jre\t  source  of  boundless  pow'r  and  grace, 

Attend  my  mournful  cry  ; 
In  the  dark  hour  of  deep  distress, 

To  thee,  to  thee  I  fly. 
II. 
Thou  art  my  strength,  my  life,  my  stay, 

Assist  my  feeble  trust  ; 
Drive  these  distressing  fears  away, 

And  raise  me  from  the  dust. 


HYMNS    ON     VARIOUS    SLliJK(    1  B  • 
III. 

O  let  mc  call  thy  grace  to  mind, 

And  trust  thy  glorious  name  ; 
Jehovah,  pow'rful,  wise,  and  kind, 

Forever  is  the  same. 

IV. 
Here  let  me  rest,  on  thee  depend, 

My  God,  my  hope,  my  all  ; 
Be  thou  my  everlasting-  friend, 

And  I  can  never  fall. 


WATCHFULNESS   AND    PRAYER. 

Matth.  xxvi.  41. 

I. 

Alas,  what  hourly  dangers  rise  ! 

What  snares  beset  my  way  ! 
To  heav'n  O  let  me  lift  my  eyes, 

And  hourly  watch  and  pray. 
II. 
How  oft  my  mournful  thoughts  complain, 

And  melt  in  flowing  tears  1 
My  weak  resistance,  ah,  how  vain  ! 

How  strong  my  foes  and  fears  ? 
III. 
O  gracious  God,  in  whom  I  live, 

My  feeble  efforts  aid, 
Help  me  to  watch,  and  pray,  and  strive, 

Tho'  trembling  and  afraid. 
H2 


90  HYMNS    ON   VARIOUS    SUBJECTS. 

IV. 

Increase  my  faith,  increase  my  hope, 

When  foes  and  fears  prevail  ; 
And  bear  my  fainting  spirit  up, 

Or  soon  my  strength  will  fail. 
V. 
Whene'er  temptations  fright  my  heart, 

Or  lure  my  feet  aside, 
My  God,  thy  pow'rful  aid  impart, 

My  guardian  and  my  guide. 
VI. 
O  keep  me  in  thy  heav'nly  way, 

And  bid  the  tempter  flee  ; 
And  let  me  never,  never  stray 

From  happiness  and  thee. 


DIVINE   COMPASSION. 

Isai.  xlix.  14,  15,  16 

I. 

X  he  Lord  forgets  his  wonted  grace, 

Afflicted  Zion  said  ; 
My  God  withdraws  his  smiling  face, 

Withdraws  his  heav'nly  aid. 
II. 
Shall  the  kind  mother's  gentle  oreast 

No  soft  emotions  share  ; 
But,  ev'ry  tender  thought  supprest, 

Forget  her  infant  care  ? 


HYMNS    ON    VARIOUS    SUBJECTS.  91 

III. 

The  helpless  child,  that  oft  her  eyes 

Have  watch'd  with  anxious  thought, 
While  her  fond  breast  appeas'd  his  cries — 

And  can  he  be  forgot  ? 
IV. 
Strange  as  it  is,  yet  this  may  be, 

For  creature -love  is  frail  ; 
But  thy  Creator's  love  to  thee, 

O  Zion,  cannot  fail. 

V. 
No,  thy  dear  name  engraven  stands, 

In  characters  of  love, 
On  thy  almighty  Father's  hands  ; 

And  never  shall  remove. 
VI. 
Before  his  ever-watchful  eye 

Thy  mournful  state  appears, 
And  ev'ry  groan,  and  ev'ry  sigh 

Divine  compassion  hears. 
VII. 
These  anxious  doubts  indulge  no  more, 

Be  ev'ry  fear  supprest  ; 
Unchanging  truth,  and  love,  and  pow'r, 

Command  thy  cares  to  rest. 


92  HYMNS   ON   VARIOUS    SUBJECTS. 


DESIRING    ASSURANCE    OF    THE    FA- 
VOUR  OF   GOD. 


I. 

Jl^ternal  source  of  joys  divine, 

To  thee  my  soul  aspires  ; 
O  could  I  say  "  The  Lord  is  mine  1" 

'Tis  all  my  soul  desires. 
II. 
Thy  smile  can  give  me  real  joy, 

Unmingled  and  refin'd, 
Substantial  bliss,  without  alloy, 

And  lasting  as  the  mind. 
III. 
Thy  smile  can  gild  the  shades  of  woe, 

Bid  stormy  trouble  cease, 
Spread  the  fair  dawn  of  heav'n  below, 

And  sweeten  pain  to  peace. 
IV. 
My  hope,  my  trust,  my  life,  my  Lord, 

Assure  me  of  thy  love  ; 
O  speak  the  kind  transporting  word, 

And  bid  my  fears  remove. 
V. 
Then  shall  my  thankful  pow'rs  rejoice, 

And  triumph  in  my  God, 
Till  heav'nly  rapture  tune  my  voice 

To  spread  thy  praise  abroad. 


HYMNS    ON    VARIOUS    SUBJECTS.  93 


HOPE  ENCOURAGED  IN  THE  CONTEMPLA- 
TION OF  THE  DIVINE  PERFECTIONS. 

I. 

Why  sinks  my  -weak  desponding  mind  ? 
Why  heaves  my  heart  the  anxious  sigh  ? 
Can  sov'reign  goodness  be  unkind  ? 
Am  I  not  safe,  if  God  is  nigh  ? 

II. 
He  holds  all  nature  in  his  hand  : 
That  gracious  hand  on  which  I  live, 
Does  life,  and  time,  and  death  command^ 
And  has  immortal  joys  to  give. 

III. 
'Tis  he  supports  this  fainting  frame, 
On  him  alone  my  hopes  recline  ; 
The  wond'rous  glories  of  his  name, 
How  wide  they  spread  !  how  bright  they  shine  1 

IV. 
Infinite  wisdom  !  boundless  pow'r  I 
Unchanging  faithfulness  and  love  I 
Here  let  me  trust,  while  I  adore, 
Nor  from  thy  refuge  e'er  remove. 

V. 
My  God,  if  thou  art  mine  indeed, 
Then  I  have  all  my  heart  can  crave  ; 
A  present  help  in  times  of  need, 
Still  kind  to  hear,  and  strong  to  save, 


94  HYMNS    ON    VARIOUS    SUBJECTS. 

VI. 

Forgive  my  doubts,  O  gracious  Lord, 
And  ease  the  sorrows  of  my  breast  ; 
Speak  to  my  heart  the  healing  word, 
That  thou  art  mine, — and  I  am  blest. 


THE   INCARNATE   SAVIOUR. 

gL  John  i.  14. 

I. 

Awake,  awake  the  sacred  song, 

To  our  incarnate  Lord  : 
Let  ev'ry  heart  and  ev'ry  tongue 

Adore  th'  eternal  Word. 
II. 
That  awful  Word,  that  sov'reign  pow'r, 

By  whom  the  worlds  were  made  ; 
(O  happy  morn  !  illustrious  hour  !) 

Was  once  in  flesh  array'd  ; 
III. 
Then  shone  almighty  pow'r  and  love, 

In  all  their  glorious  forms, 
When  Jesus  left  his  throne  above, 

To  dwell  with  sinful  worms. 
IV. 
To  dwell  with  misery  below, 

The  Saviour  left  the  skies  ; 
And  sunk  to  wretchedness  and  woe. 

That  worthless  man  might  rise. 


HYMNS    OS    VARIOUS    SUBJECTS.  95 

V. 

Adoring  angels  tun'd  their  songs 

To  hail  the  joyful  day  : 
With  rapture  then,  let  mortal  tongues 

Their  grateful  worship  pay. 
VI. 
What  glory,  Lord,  to  thee  is  due  ? 

With  wonder  we  adore  ; 
But  could  we  sing  as  angels  do, 

Our  highest  praise  were  poor. 


FAITH  IN  GOD  IN  TIME    OF  DISTRESS. 

Hab.  iii.  17,  18. 

I. 

Should  famine  o'er  the  mourning  field 
Extend  her  desolating  reign, 
Nor  spring  her  blooming  beauties  yield. 
Nor  autumn  swell  the  foodful  grain. 

II. 
Should  lowing  herds  and  bleating  sheep 
Around  their  famish'd  master  die  ; 
And  hope  itself  despairing  weep, 
While  life  deplores  its  last  supply  : 

III. 
Amid  the  dark,  and  deathful  scene, 
If  I  can  say,  The  Lord  is  mine, 
The  joy  shall  triumph  o'er  the  pain, 
And  glory  dawn,  though  life  decline 


90  HYMNS   ON    VARIOUS   SUBJECTS. 

IV. 

The  God  of  my  salvation  lives 
My  nobler  life  he  will  sustain  ; 
His  word  immortal  vigour  gives. 
Nor  shall  my  glorious  hopes  be  vain. 

V. 
Thy  presence,  Lord,  can  cheer  my  heart, 
Though  ev'ry  earthly  comfort  die  ; 
Thy  smile  can  bid  my  pains  depart, 
And  raise  my  sacred  pleasures  high, 

VI. 
O  let  me  hear  thy  blissful  voice, 
Inspiring  life  and  joys  divine  ! 
The  barren  desart  shall  rejoice^ 
'Tis  paradise,  if  thou  art  mine. 


PARDONING  LOVE. 

Jer.  iii.  22.     Hos.  xiv.  4. 

I. 

How  oft,  alas,  this  wretched  heart 

Has  wander'd  from  the  Lord  ! 
How  oft  my  roving  thoughts  depart, 

Forgetful  of  his  word. 
II. 
Yet  sov'reign  mercy  calls,  Return  : 

Dear  Lord,  and  may  I  come  ? 
My  vile  ingratitude  I  mourn  ; 

Ob  take  the  wand'rer  home. 


11YMNS   ON   VARIOUS  SUBJECTS.  97 

III. 

And  canst  thou,  wilt  thou  yet  forgive, 

And  bid  my  crimes  remove  ? 
And  shall  a  pardon'd  rebel  live 

To  speak  thy  wond'rous  love  ? 
IV. 
Almighty  grace,  thy  healing  pow'r 

How  glorious,  how  divine  ! 
That  can  to  bliss  and  life  restore 

So  vile  a  heart  as  mine. 
V. 
Thy  pardoning  love,  so  free,  so  sweet, 

Dear  Saviour,  I  adore  ; 
O  keep  me  at  thy  sacred  feet, 

And  let  me  rove  no  more. 


THE   GOODNESS   OF   GOD. 

Nahum 

I. 

jle  humble  souls,  approach  your  God 

With  songs  of  sacred  praise  ; 
For  he  is  good,  immensely  good, 

And  kind  are  all  his  ways. 
II. 
All  nature  owns  his  guardian  care. 

In  him  we  live  and  move  ; 
But  nobler  benefits  declare 

The  wonders  of  his  love. 

1  VOL-.  I. 


98  HYMNS    ON   VARIOUS   SUBJECTS* 

III. 

He  gave  his  son,  his  only  son, 

To  ransom  rebel  worms  ; 
'Tis  here  he  makes  his  goodness  known 

In  its  divinest  forms. 

IV. 
To  this  dear  refuge,  Lord,  we  come, 

'Tis  here  our  hope  relies  \ 
A  safe  defence,  a  peaceful  home, 

When  storms  of  trouble  rise. 
V. 
Thy  eye  beholds,  with  kind  regard. 

The  souls  who  trust  in  thee  ; 
Their  humble  hope  thou  wilt  reward. 

With  bliss  divinely  free. 
VI. 
Great  God,  to  thy  almighty  love, 

What  honours  shall  we  raise  ? 
Not  all  the  raptur'd  songs  above 

Can  render  equal  praise. 


TRUE    HONOUR. 

Dan.  xii,  3. 

I. 

A  here  is  a  glorious  world  on  high, 
Resplendent  with  eternal  day  ; 
Faith  views  the  blissful  prospect  nigh, 
While  God's  own  word  reveals  the  way. 


HYMNS   ON    VARIOUS    SUBJECTS.  99 

II. 

There  shall  the  fav'rites  of  the  Lord 
With  never-fading-  lustre  shine  ; 
Surprizing  honour  !  vast  reward 
Conferred  on  man,  by  love  divine  ! 

III. 
How  blest  are  those,  how  truly  wise, 
Who  learn  and  keep  the  sacred  road  ! 
Happy  the  men,  whom  heav'n  employs 
To  turn  rebellious  hearts  to  God  ! 

IV. 
To  win  them  from  the  fatal  way, 
Where  erring  folly  thoughtless  roves  ; 
And  that  blest  righteousness  display, 
Which  Jesus  wrought,  and  God  approves. 

V. 
The  shining  firmament  shall  fade, 
And  sparkling  stars  resign  their  light  ; 
But  these  shall  know  nor  change,  nor  shade? 
Forever  fair,  forever  bright  ! 

VI. 
No  fancy'd  joy  beyond  the  sky, 
No  fair  delusion  is  reveal'd  ; 
'Tis  God  that  speaks,  who  cannot  lie, 
And  all  his  word  must  be  fulfill'd. 

VII. 
And  shall  not  these  cold  hearts  of  ours 
Be  kindled  at  the  glorious  view  ? 
Come,  Lord,  awake  our  active  pow'rs> 
Our  feeble,  dying  strength  renew. 


100  HYMNS   ON  VARIOUS   SUBJECTS. 

VIII. 

On  wings  of  faith  and  strong  desire, 
O  may  our  spirits  daily  rise  ; 
And  reach  at  last  the  shining  choir, 
In  the  bright  mansions  of  the  skies. 


DIVINE   BOUNTY. 


Col.  i.  19 


I. 

Xjord,  we  adore  thy  boundless  grace, 

The  heights  and  depths  unknown, 
Of  pardon,  life,  and  joy,  and  peace, 

In  thy  beloved  son. 

II. 
O  wond'rous  gift  of  love  divine, 

Dear  source  of  ev'ry  good  ! 
Jesus,  in  thee  what  glories  shine  I 

How  rich  thy  flowing  blood  ! 
III. 
Come  all  ye  pining,  hungry  poor. 

The  Saviour's  bounty  taste  ; 
Behold  a  never-failing  store, 

For  ev'ry  willing  guest. 
IV. 
Here  shall  your  num'rous  wants  receive 

A  free,  a  full  supply  : 
He  has  unmeasur'd  bliss  to  give, 

And  joys  that  never  die. 


HYMN'S    ON    VARIOUS    SUBJECTS.  10  X 

V. 

Can  those,  who  hear  the  Saviour's  voice, 

Prefer  earth's  empty  toys, 
(Ah,  wretched  souls  !  ah,  fatal  choice  !) 
To  everlasting  joys  ? 

VI. 
Lord,  bring  unwilling  souls  to  thee, 

With  sweet  resistless  pow'r  ; 
Thy  boundless  grace,  let  rebels  see> 
\nd  at  thy  feet  adore. 


THE   HEAVENLY   CONQUEROR. 

Rev.  iii.  21. 

I. 

J.  o  Jesus,  our  victorious  Lord, 
The  praises  of  our  lives  belong  ; 
Forever  be  his  name  ador'd  : 
Sweet  theme  of  ev'ry  thankful  song. 

II. 
Lost  in  despair,  beset  with  foest 
Undone,  and  perishing  we  lay  ; 
His  pity  melted  o'er  our  woes, 
And  sav'd  the  trembling,  dying  prey. 

III. 
He  fought,  he  conquer'd,  though  he  fell, 
"While  with  his  last  expiring  breath, 
He  triumph'd  o'er  the  pow'rs  of  hell, 
And  by  his  dying  vanquish 'd  death. 
12 


ICX2  HYMN'S   ON    VARIOUS   SUBJECTS. 

IV. 

Now  on  his  Father's  throne  he  reigns, 
And  all  the  tuneful  choir  above 
Resound  in  high  immortal  strains, 
The  praises  of  victorious  love. 

V. 
Though  still  reviving  foes  arise, 
Temptation,  sin,  and  doubts  appear, 
And  pain  our  hearts,  and  fill  our  eyes 
With  many  a  groan,  and  many  a  tear  : 

VI. 
Still  shall  we  fight,  and  still  prevail, 
In  our  almighty  leader's  name  ; 
His  strength,  whene'er  our  spirits  fail, 
Shall  all  our  active  pow'rs  inflame. 

VII. 
Immortal  honours  wait  above, 
To  crown  the  dying  conqu'ror's  brow  ; 
And  endless  peace,  and  joy,  and  love, 
For  the  short  war  sustain'd  below. 

VIII. 
Exalted  near  their  Saviour's  seat, 
His  saints  shall  dwell,  their  dangers  o'er. 
And  cast  their  crowns  beneath  his  feet, 
And  love,  and  wonder,  and  adore. 


HYMNS    ON    VARIOUS    SUBJECTS.  103 


LONGING   AFTER   UNSEEN  PLEASURES, 

2  Cor.  iv.  18. 

I. 

How  long  shall  earth's  alluring  toys 

Detain  our  hearts  and  eyes  ; 
Regardless  of  immortal  joys, 

And  strangers  to  the  skies  ? 
II. 
These  transient  scenes  Mill  soon  decay, 

They  fade  upon  the  sight  ; 
And  quickly  will  their  brightest  day 

Be  lost  in  endless  night. 
III. 
Their  brightest  day,  alas,  how  vain  ! 

With  conscious  sighs  we  own  ; 
While  clouds  of  sorrow,  care  and  pain, 

O'ershade  the  smiling  noon. 
IV. 
O  could  our  thoughts  and  wishes  fly, 

Above  these  gloomy  shades, 
To  those  bright  worlds  beyond  the  sky 

Which  sorrow  ne'er  invades. 
V. 
There  joys  unseen  by  mortal  eyes 

Or  reason's  feeble  ray, 
In  ever-blooming  prospect  rise, 

Unconscious  of  decay. 


104  HYMNS   ON   VARIOUS   SUBJECTS. 

VI. 

Lord,  send  a  beam  of  light  divine, 

To  guide  our  upward  aim  ; 
With  one  reviving  touch  of  thine, 

Our  languid  hearts  inflame. 
VII. 
Then  shall  on  faith's  sublimest  wing 

Our  ardent  wishes  rise 
To  those  bright  scenes,  where  pleasures  spring 

Immortal  in  the  skie9i 


THE    CHRISTIAN'S   PROSPECT. 

I. 

XXAtpy  the  soul,  whose  wishes  climb 

To  mansions  in  the  skies  ! 
He  looks  on  all  the  joys  of  time,    \ 

With  undesiring  eyes. 
II. 
In  vain  soft  pleasure  spreads  her  charms, 

And  throws  her  silken  chain  ; 
And  wealth  and  fame  invite  his  arms, 

And  tempt  his  ear  in  vain. 
III. 
Pie  knows  that  all  these  glitt'ring  things 

Must  yield  to  sure  decay  ; 
And  sees  on  time's  extended  wings, 

How  swift  they  fleet  away  I 


HYMNS    ON   VARIOUS   SUBJECTS.  103 

IV. 

Xor  low  to  earth  in  sorrow  bends, 

When  pains  and  cares  invade  ; 
With  cheerful  wing  his  faith  ascends 

Above  the  gloomy  shade. 
V. 
To  things  unseen  by  mortal  eyes, 

A  beam  of  sacred  light 
Directs  his  view,  his  prospects  rise, 

All  permanent  and  bright. 
VI. 
His  hopes  are  fix'd  on  joys  to  come  ; 

Those  blissful  scenes  on  high 
Shall  flourish  in  immortal  bloom, 

When  time  and  nature  die. 
VII. 
O  were  these  heavenly  prospects  mine, 

These  pleasures  could  I  prove, 
Earth's  fleeting  views  I  would  resign, 

And  raise  my  hopes  above. 


LIFE   A   JOURNEY. 

I. 

Ajife  is  a  journey,  heav'n  my  home,* 
And  shall  I  negligently  stray  ? 
In  paths  of  danger  heedless  roam, 
Forget  my  guide,  forget  ray  way  I 


106  HYMNS   ON    VARIOUS   SUBJECTS. 

II. 

Think,  O  my  soul,  each  flying  hour 
Thy  folly  chides,  thy  speed  alarms  ; 
And  shall  an  insect,  or  a  flow'r 
Amuse  thee  with  their  painted  charms  ? 

III. 
Such  are  the  objects  earth  displays, 
To  tempt  my  stay,  and  gain  my  heart  ! 
And  shall  I  fondly,  vainly  gaze  1 
Ye  shining  trifles,  hence  depart. 

IV. 
O  think  what  glorious  scenes  above, 
In  bright  unbounded  prospect  rise  ! 
Nor  let  one  vagrant  passion  rove, 
Nor  leave  a  wish  below  the  skies. 

V. 
But  ah  !  how  weak  my  best  desires, 
My  warmest  ardours  soon  decay  ; 
My  fainting  soul,  till  grace  inspires, 
Can  ne'er  pursue  the  heav'nly  way. 

VI. 
On  thee  I  lean,  all-gracious  God, 
O  breathe  new  life  through  all  my  pow'rs, 
Teach  me  to  keep  thy  sacred  road, 
And  well  improve  my  remnant  hours. 


HYMN'S    ON    VAHIOCS    SUBJECTS.  107 


TRUE   HAPPINESS  TO    BE  FOUND  ONLY 
IN    GOD. 

I. 

W  hex  fancy  spreads  her  boldest  wings, 

And  wanders  unconfin'cl, 
Amid  the  unbounded  scene  of  things 

Which  entertain  the  mind  : 
II. 
In  vain  I  trace  creation  o'er, 

In  search  of  sacred  rest  ; 
The  whole  creation  is  too  poor, 

Too  mean,  to  make  me  blest. 
III. 
In  vain  would  this  low  world  employ 

Each  flatt'ring,  specious  wile  ; 
There's  nought  can  yield  a  real  joy, 

But  my  Creator's  smile. 
IYr. 
Let  earth  and  all  her  charms  depart, 

Unworthy  of  the  mind  ; 
In  God  alone,  this  restless  heart 

An  equal  bliss  can  find. 

V. 

Great  spring  of  all  felicity, 

To  whom  my  wishes  tend, 
Do  not  these  wishes  rise  from  thee. 

And  in  thy  favour  end  ? 


108  HYMNS  ON  VARIOUS   SUBJECTS, 

VI. 

Thy  favour,  Lord,  is  all  I  want, 
Here  would  my  spirit  rest  ; 

O  seal  the  rich,  the  boundless  grant, 
And  make  me  fully  blest. 


LASTING   HAPPINESS. 

I. 

In  vain  my  roving  thoughts  would  find 
A  portion  worthy  of  the  mind  ; 
On  earth  my  soul  can  never  rest, 
For  earth  can  never  make  me  blest. 

II. 
Can  lasting  happiness  be  found 
Where  seasons  roll  their  hasty  round, 
And  days  and  hours  with  rapid  flight 
Sweep  cares  and  pleasures  out  of  sight  ? 

III. 
Arise  my  thoughts,  my  heart  arise, 
Leave  this  low  world,  and  seek  the  skies 
There  joys  forever,  ever  last, 
When  seasons,  days,  and  hours  are  past. 

IV. 
Come,  Lord,  thy  powerful  grace  impart, 
Thy  grace  can  raise  my  wand'ring  heart 
To  pleasure  perfect  and  sublime, 
Unmeasur'd  by  the  wings  of  time. 


HYMNS    ON    VARIOUS    SUBJECTS.  109 

V. 

Let  those  bright  worlds  of  endless  joy 
My  thoughts,  my  hopes,  my  cares  employ, 
No  more,  ye  restless  passions,  roam, 
God  is  my  bliss,  and  heav'n  my  home. 


BIDDING  ADIEU  TO  EARTHLY  PLEASURES; 

I. 

jl  e  gay  deceivers  of  the  mind, 
Ye  dreams  of  happiness,  adieu  ; 
No  more  your  soft  enchantments  bind, 
This  heart  was  never  made  for  you. 

II. 
The  brightest  joy  your  smile  can  boast, 
Is  but  a  moment's  glitt'ring  light  ; 
It  sparkles  now,  and  now  'tis  lost, 
Extinguish'd  in  the  shades  of  night. 

III. 
Begone,  with  all  your  soothing  charms  j 
Pleasure  on  earth  ! — O  empty  name  I 
Superior  joy  my  bosom  warms, 
And  heav'n  approves  the  sacred  flame. 

IV. 
To  perfect  bliss  my  soul  aspires, 
That  shines  with  never-fading  ray  ; 
No  less  can  satiate  my  desires, 
Than  full  delight,  and  endless  day. 

K  VOL.  x. 


110  HYMNS   ON   VARIOUS   SUBJECTS. 

V. 

Blest  be  the  kind,  the  gracious  pow'r, 
That  gently  call'd  and  bade  me  rise  ; 
And  taught  my  nobler  thoughts  to  soar 
To  happiness  beyond  the  skies. 


LONGING  FOR  IMMORTALITY. 

2  Cor.  v.  4, 

I. 

Oad  pris'ners  in  a  house  of  clay, 
With  sins,  and  griefs,  and  pains  opprestj 
We  groan  the  ling'ring  hours  away, 
And  wish,  and  long  to  be  releas'd, 

II. 
Nor  is  it  liberty  alone, 
Which  prompts  our  restless  ardent  sighs  ; 
For  immortality  we  groan, 
For  robes  and  mansions  in  the  skies. 

III. 
Eternal  mansions  !  bright  array  ! 
O  blest  exchange  !  transporting  thought ! 
Free  from  th'  approaches  of  decay, 
Or  the  least  shadow  of  a  spot ! 

IV. 
There  shall  mortality  no  more 
Its  wide  extended  empire  boast, 
Forgotten  all  its  dreadful  pow'r, 
In  life's  unbounded  ocean  lost. 


HYMNS    ON    VARIOUS    SUBJECTS.  Ill 

V. 

Bright  world  of  bliss  !  O  could  I  see 
One  shining  glimpse,  one  cheerful  ray 
(Fair  dawn  of  immortality  !) 
Break  through  these  tott'ring  walls  of  clay. 

VI. 
Jesus,  in  thy  dear  name  I  trust, 
My  light,  my  life,  my  Saviour  God  ; 
When  this  frail  house  dissolves  in  dust, 
O  raise  me  to  thy  bright  abode. 


AT  THE  FUNERAL  OF  A  YOUNG  PERSON, 

I. 

W  hen  blooming  youth  is  snatch'd  away 

By  death's  resistless  hand, 
Our  hearts  the  mournful  tribute  pay, 

Which  pity  must  demand. 
II. 
While  pity  prompts  the  rising  sigh, 

O  may  this  truth,  impress'd 
With  awful  pow'r — I  too  must  die — 

Sink  deep  in  ev'ry  breast, 
III. 
Let  this  vain  world  engage  no  more  j 

Behold  the  gaping  tomb  ! 
It  bids  us  sieze  the  present  hour, 

To-morrow,  death  may  come, 


112  HYMNS   ON   VARIOUS   SUBJECTS1. 

IV. 

The  voice  of  this  alarming  scene 

May  ev'ry  heart  obey, 
Nor  be  the  heavenly  warning  vain, 

Which  calls  to  watch  and  pray. 
V. 
O  let  us  fly,  to  Jesus  fly, 

Whose  pow'rful  arm  can  save  ; 
Then  shall  our  hopes  ascend  on  high, 

And  triumph  o'er  the  grave. 
VI. 
Great  God,  thy  sov'reign  grace  impart, 

With  cleansing,  healing  pow'r  ; 
This  only  can  prepare  the  heart 

For  death's  surprizing  hour. 


SIN  THE  STING  OF  DEATH. 

I. 

.Death  !  'tis  a  name  with  terror  fraught  j 

It  rends  the  guilty  heart, 
When  conscience  wakes  remorseful  thought, 

With  agonizing  smart. 
II. 
'Tis  guilt  alone  provokes  that  frown 

Which  all  the  soul  alarms  ; 
Gives  terror  to  the  monarch's  crown. 

And  conquest  to  his  arms  ! 


HYMNS    OS    VARIOVS    SUBJECTS.  113 

III. 

Dear  Saviour,  thy  victorious  love 

Can  all  his  force  control, 
Can  bid  the  pangs  of  guilt  remove, 

And  cheer  the  trembling  soul. 
IV. 
Victorious  love  !  thy  wond'rous  pow'r 

From  sin  and  death  can  raise  ; 
Can  gild  the  dark  departing  hour, 

And  tune  its  groans  to  praise, 
V. 
Then  shall  the  joyful  spirit  soar 

To  life  beyond  the  skies, 
Where  gloomy  death  can  frown  no  more, 

And  guilt  and  terror  dies. 
VI. 
No  more,  O  pale  destroyer,  boast 

Thy  universal  sway  ; 
To  heav'n-born  souls  thy  sting  is  lost, 

Thy  night,  the  gates  of  day. 


THE   PRESENCE   OF   CHRIST   THE  JOY  OF 
HIS  PEOPLE. 

I. 

.1  he  wond'ring  nations  have  beheld 
The  sacred  prophesy  fulfilled, 
And  angels  hail'd  the  glorious  mora 
That  saw  the  great  Messiah  born  : 
K2 


114  HYMNS   ON    VARIOUS   SUBJECTS. 

II. 

The  prince  !  the  Saviour  !  long  desir'd, 
Whom  prophets  taught,  by  heav'n  inspir'd, 
And  shew'd  far  off  the  blissful  day  ; 
Rise  o'er  the  world  with  healing  ray.     — . 

III. 
Oft  in  the  temples  of  his  grace 
His  saints  behold  his  smiling  face, 
And  oft  have  seen  his  glory  shine, 
With  pow'r  and  majesty  divine  : 

IV. 
But  soon,  alas  !  his  absence  mourn, 
And  pray  and  wish  his  kind  return  ; 
Without  his  life-inspiring  light, 
'Tis  all  a  scene  of  gloomy  night. 

V. 
Come,  dearest  Lord,  thy  children  cry, 
Our  graces  droop,  our  comforts  die  ; 
Return,  and  let  thy  glories  rise, 
Again  to  our  admiring  eyes  : 

VI. 
Till  fill'd  with  light,  and  joy,  and  love, 
Thy  courts  below,  like  those  above, 
Triumphant  hallelujahs  raise, 
And  heav'n  and  earth  resound  thy  praise. 


HYMNS    ON    VARIOUS    SUBJECTS.  115 


ABSENCE  FROM  GOD. 


I. 

vJ  thou,  whose  tender  mercy  hears 

Contrition's  humble  sigh  ; 
Whose  hand,  indulgent,  wipes  the  tears 

From  sorrow's  weeping  eye  : 
II. 
See  !  low  before  thy  throne  of  grace, 

A  wretched  wand'rer  mourn  ; 
Hast  thou  not  bid  me  seek  thy  face  ? 

Hast  thou  not  said,  Return  ? 
III. 
And  shall  my  guilty  fears  prevail 

To  drive  me  from  thy  feet  ? 
O  let  not  this  dear  refuge  fail, 

This  only  safe  retreat. 

IV. 
Absent  from  thee,  my  guide,  my  light, 

Without  one  cheering  ray, 
Through  dangers,  fears,  and  gloomy  night, 

How  desolate  my  way  ! 
V. 
O  shine  on  this  benighted  heart, 

With  beams  of  mercy  shine  ; 
And  let  thy  healing  voice  impart 

A  taste  of  joys  divine. 


116  HYMNS    ON    VARIOUS    SUBJECTS. 

VI. 

Thy  presence  only  can  bestow 
Delights  which  never  cloy  ; 

Be  this  my  solace,  here  below, 
And  my  eternal  joy. 


DESIRING   A    TASTE   OF   REAL   JOY. 

I. 

W  hy  should  my  spirit  cleave  to  earth,  . 
This  nest  of  worms,  this  vile  abode  ? 
Why  thus  forget  her  nobler  birth, 
Nor  wish  to  trace  the  heav'nly  road  ? 

II. 
How  barren  of  sincere  delight 
Are  all  the  fairest  scenes  below  ! 
Though  beauteous  colours  charm  the  sight, 
They  only  varnish  real  woe. 

III. 
Were  I  to  mount  the  flying  wind, 
And  search  the  wide  creation  round, 
There's  nothing  here  to  suit  the  mind  j 
On  earth  no  solid  joy  is  found. 

IV. 
Oh  !  could  my  weary  spirit  rise, 
And,  panting  with  intense  desire, 
Reach  the  bright  mansions  in  the  skies, 
And  mix  among  the  blissful  choir  : 


HYMNS    ON    VARIOUS    SUBJECTS.  117 

V. 

How  should  I  look,  with  pitying  eye, 
On  this  low  world  of  gloomy  care, 
And  wonder,  how  my  soul  could  lie 
Wrapp'd  up  in  shades  and  darkness  there  ! 

VI. 
Say,  happy  natives  of  the  sky, 
What  is  it  makes  your  heav'n  above  ? 
You  dwell  beneath  your  father's  eye, 
And  feast  forever  on  his  love. 

VII. 
My  God,  thy  presence  can  impart 
A  glimpse  of  heav'n  to  earth  and  night ; 
O  smile,  and  bless  my  mournful  heart, 
Sweet  foretaste  of  sincere  delight. 

VIII. 
Then  shall  my  soul  contented  stay 
Till  my  Redeemer  calls  me  home  : 
Yet  let  me  oft  with  transport  say, 
M  Come,  O  my  Lord,  my  Saviour,  come." 


HUMBLE  RELIANCE. 

I. 

jVIy  God,  my  Father,  blissful  name 

O  may  I  call  thee  mine, 
May  I  with  sweet  assurance  claim 

A  portion  so  divine  ? 


118  HYMNS    ON    VARIOUS    SUBJECTS. 

II. 

This  only  can  my  fears  control, 

And  bid  my  sorrows  fly  't 
What  harm  can  ever  reach  my  soul 

Beneath  my  Father's  eye  ? 
III. 
Whate'er  thy  providence  denies, 

I  calmly  would  resign, 
For  thou  art  just,  and  good,  and  wise  ; 

O  bend  my  will  to  thine. 
IV. 
Whate'er  thy  sacred  will  ordains, 

O  give  me  strength  to  bear  ; 
And  let  me  know  my  Father  reigns, 

And  trust  his  tender  care. 
V. 
If  pain  and  sickness  rend  this  frame, 

And  life  almost  depart, 
Is  not  thy  mercy  still  the  same, 

To  cheer  my  drooping  heart  ? 
VI. 
If  cares  and  sorrows  me  surround, 

Their  pow'r  why  should  I  fear  ? 
My  inward  peace  they  cannot  wound, 

If  thou,  my  God,  art  near. 
VII. 
Thy  sov'reign  ways  are  all  unknown 

To  my  weak,  erring  sight ; 
Yet  let  my  soul,  adoring,  own 

That  all  thy  ways  are  right. 


HYMNS    ON    VARIOUS    SUBJECTS.  119 

VIII. 
My  God,  my  Father,  be  thy  name 

My  solace  and  my  stay  ; 
O  wilt  thou  seal  my  humble  claim, 

And  drive  my  fears  away. 


THE    PRESENCE  OF   GOD  THE   LIFE   AND 
LIGHT  OF  THE  SOUL. 

I. 

JM.Y  God,  my  hope,  if  thou  art  mine, 
Why  should  my  soul  with  sorrow  pine? 
On  thee  alone  I  cast  my  care  ; 
O  leave  me  not  in  dark  despair. 

II. 
Though  ev'ry  comfort  should  depart, 
And  life  forsake  this  drooping  heart  ; 
One  smile  from  thee,  one  blissful  ray9 
Can  chase  the  shades  of  death  away. 

III. 
My  God,  my  life,  if  thou  appear, 
Not  death  itself  can  make  me  fear  ; 
Thy  presence  cheers  the  sable  gloom? 
And  gilds  the  horrors  of  the  tomb. 

IV. 
Not  all  its  horrors  can  affright, 
If  thou  appear,  my  God,  my  light ; 
Thy  love  shall  all  my  fears  control, 
And  glory  dawn  around  my  souJ. 


120  HYMNS   ON   VARIOUS   SUBJECTS. 

V. 

Should  all  created  blessings  fade, 
And  mourning  nature,  disarrayed, 
Deplore  her  ev'ry  charm  withdrawn, 
Light,  hope,  and  joy,  forever  gone  ; 

VI. 
Though  nought  remain  below  the  sky, 
To  please  my  taste,  my  ear,  my  eye, 
Be  thou  my  hope,  my  life,  my  light, 
Amid  the  universal  night. 

VII. 
My  God,  be  thou  forever  nigh  ; 
Beneath  the  radiance  of  thine  eye, 
My  hope,  my  joy,  shall  ever  rise, 
Nor  terminate  below  the  skies. 


RESIGNING   THE  HEART   TO   GOD. 

Psalm  cxix.  94. 

I. 

J.  hee,  dearest  Lord,  my  soul  adores, 
I  would  be  thine,  and  only  thine  ; 
To  thee,  my  heart  and  all  its  pow'rs, 
With  full  consent,  I  would  resign. 

II. 
But,  ah  !  this  weak  inconstant  mind, 
How  frail,  how  apt  from  thee  to  stray  I 
Trifles,  as  empty  as  the  wind, 
Can  tempt  my  roving  thoughts  away. 


HYMNS  ON  VARIOUS  SUHJECTS.         121 
III. 

Sure  I  am  thine — or  why  this  load 
When  earthly  vanities  beguile  ? 
Why  do  I  mourn  my  absent  God, 
And  languish  for  thy  cheering  smile  ? 

IV. 
If  thou  return,  how  sweet  the  joy, 
Though  mix'd  with  penitential  smart  ! 
Then  I  despise  each  tempting  toy, 
And  long  to  give  thee  all  my  heart. 

V. 
Come,  Lord,  thy  saving  pow'r  display, 
(Resistless  pow'r  of  love  divine  !) 
And  drive  thy  hated  foes  away, 
And  make  mc  thine,  and  only  thine. 


THE   INCONSTANT   HEART 

I. 

JYh  1  wretched,  vile,  ungrateful  heart, 
That  can  from  Jesus  thus  depart, 
Thus  fond  of  trifles  vainly  rove, 
Forgetful  of  a  Saviour's  love  ! 

II. 
In  vain  I  charge  my  thoughts  to  stay, 
And  chide  each  vanity  away  ; 
In  vain,  alas  1  resolve  to  bind 
This  rebel  heart,  this  wandering  mind. 

L  VOL.    I. 


122  HYMNS   ON   VARIOUS   SUBJECTS. 

III. 

Through  all  resolves,  how  soon  it  flies* 
And  mocks  the  weak,  the  slender  ties  ! 
There's  nought  beneath  a  pow'r  divine, 
That  can  this  roving  heart  confine. 

IV. 
Jesus,  to  thee  I  would  return, 
At  thy  dear  feet  repentant  mourn  ; 
There  let  me  view  thy  pard'ning  love, 
And  never  from  thy  sight  remove. 

V. 
O  let  thy  love  with  sweet  control, 
Bind  all  the  passions  of  my  soul, 
Bid  ev'ry  vanity  depart, 
And  dwell  forever  in  my  heart. 


COLD    AFFECTIONS. 

I. 

feuRE  I  must  love  the  Saviour's  name- 
Or  is  the  heav'n-born  passion  dead, 
Extinguish'd  the  celestial  flame, 
And  all  my  joys  forever  fled  ? 

II. 
At  the  sweet  mention  of  his  love, 
How  should  the  sacred  ardour  rise  ! 
And  ev'ry  thought,  transported,  move 
In  grateful  joy,  and  glad  surprize  ! 


I1\MNS    ON    VARIOUS    SUBJECTS.  12; 

III. 

Jesus  demands  this  heart  of  mine, 
Demands  my  wish)  my  joy,  my  care  ; 
But  ah  !  how  dead  to  things  divine, 
How  cold  my  best  affections  are  ! 

IV. 
What  death-like  lethargy  detains 
My  captive  pow'rs  with  fatal  art, 
And  spreads  its  unrelenting  chains 
Heavy  and  cold,  around  my  heart  ! 

V. 
'Tis  sin,  alas  !  with  dreadful  pow'r 
Divides  my  Saviour  from  my  sight ; 
O  for  one  happy,  shining  hour 
Of  sacred  freedom,  sweet  delight ! 

VI. 
See,  dearest  Lord,  my  wretched  state, 
And  thy  almighty  pow'r  employ  ; 
To  thee  I  seek,  on  thee  I  wait, 
For  life,  and  liberty,  and  joy. 

VI. 
O  let  thy  love  shine  forth,  and  raise 
My  captive  pow'rs  from  sin  and  death  ; 
And  fill  my  heart  and  life  with  praise, 
And  tune  my  last  expiring  breath. 

VIII. 
Then  bear  me  to  the  blissful  seats 
Of  perfect  freedom,  life,  and  light, 
Where  thy  redeem'd  assembly  meets, 
To  love  and  praise  with  full  delight. 


124 


HYMNS   ON    VARIOUS    SUBJECTS. 


IX. 

There  shall  my  thoughts  transported  tracer 
And  all  my  soul  forever  prove, 
The  boundless  riches  of  thy  grace, 
The  endless  wonders  of  thv  love. 


THE  EXAMPLE  OF  CHRIST. 

I. 

And  is  the  gospel,  peace  and  love  ? 
Such  let  our  conversation  be  ; 
The  serpent  blended  with  the  dove^ 
Wisdom  and  meek  simplicity, 

II. 
Whene'er  the  angry  passions  rise, 
And  tempt  our  thoughts  or  tongues  to  stiife, 
To  Jesus  let  us  lift  our  eyes, 
Bright  pattern  of  the  christian  life  ! 

III. 
O  how  benevolent  and  kind  I 
How  mild  !  how  ready  to  forgive  I 
Be  this  the  temper  of  cur  mind, 
And  these  the  rules  by  which  we  live. 

IV. 
To  do  his  heav'nly  Father's  will, 
Was  his  employment  and  delight ; 
Humility  and  holy  zeal 
Shone  through  his  life,  divinely  bright. 


HYMNS    ON    VARIOUS    SUBJECTS.  125 

V. 

Dispensing  good  where'er  he  came, 
The  labours  of  his  life  were  love  ; 
O,  if  Ave  love  the  Saviour's  name, 
Let  his  divine  example  move. 

VI. 
But  ah,  how  blind  1  how  weak  we  are ! 
How  frail  !  how  apt  to  turn  aside  I 
Lord,  we  depend  upon  thy  care, 
And  ask  thy  spirit  for  our  guide. 

VII. 
Thy  fair  example  may  we  trace, 
To  teach  us  what  Ave  ought  to  be  ; 
Make  us  by  thy  transforming  grace, 
Dear  Saviour,  dailv  more  like  thee. 


RETIREMENT   AND   REFLECTION. 

I. 

JHence,  vain,  intruding  world,  depart, 
No  more  allure  nor  vex  my  heart ; 
Let  ev'ry  vanity  begone, 
I  would  be  peaceful  and  alone. 

II. 
Here  let  me  search  my  inmost  mind, 
And  try  its  real  state  to  find, 
The  secret  springs  of  thought  explore, 
And  call  my  words  and  actions  o'er. 
L2 


126  HYMNS   ON    VARIOUS    SUBJECTS. 

III. 

Reflect  how  soon  my  life  will  end, 
And  think  on  what  my  hopes  depend, 
What  aim  my  busy  thoughts  pursue, 
What  work  is  done,  and  what  to  do. 

IV. 
Eternity  is  just  at  hand  ; 
And  shall  I  waste  my  ebbing  sand, 
And  careless  view  departing  day, 
And  throw  my  inch  of  time  away  ? 

V. 
Eternity,  tremendous  sound  ! 
To  guilty  souls,  a  dreadful  wound  1 
Eut,  oh  !  if  Christ  and  heav'n  be  mine, 
How  sweet  the  accents  !  how  divine  ! 

VI. 
Be  this  my  chief,  my  only  care, 
My  high  pursuit,  my  ardent  pray'r, 
An  int'rest  in  the  Saviour's  blood, 
My  pardon  seal'd,  and  peace  with  God. 

VII. 
But  should  my  brightest  hopes  be  vain, 
The  rising  doubt,  how  sharp  its  pain  ! 
My  fears,  O  gracious  God,  remove, 
Confirm  my  title  to  thy  love. 

VIII. 
Search,  Lord,  O  search  my  inmost  heari 
And  light,  and  hope,  and  joy  impart  j 
From  guilt  and  error  set  me  free, 
And  guide  me  safe  to  heav'n  and  thee. 


HYMNS    ON    VARIOUS    SUBJECTS.  127 


HOPE   IN   DARKNESS. 

I. 

(jtod  is  my  sun,  his  blissful  rays 
Irradiate,  warm,  and  guide  my  heart  ! 
How  dark,  how  mournful,  are  my  days, 
If  his  enlivening  beams  depart  ! 

II. 
Scarce  through  the  shades,  a  glimpse  of  day 
Appears  to  these  desiring  eyes  ; 
But  shall  my  drooping  spirit  say, 
The  cheerful  morn  will  never  rise  ? 

III. 
O  let  me  not  despairing  mourn, 
Though  gloomy  darkness  spreads  the  sky  ; 
My  glorious  sun  will  yet  return, 
And  night  with  all  its  horrors  fly. 

IV. 
Hope,  in  the  absence  of  my  Lord, 
Shall  be  my  taper  ;  sacred  light, 
Kindled  at  his  celestial  word, 
To  cheer  the  melancholy  night  ! 

V. 
O  for  the  bright  the  joyful  day, 
When  hope  shall  in  assurance  die  ! 
So  tapers  lose  their  feeble  ray, 
Beneath  the  sun's  refulgent  eye. 


128  HYMNS   ON   VARIOUS    SUBJECTS. 


DEATH  AND  HEAVEN. 

I. 

Oft  have  I  said,  with  inward  sighs, 
I  mid  no  solid  good  below  ; 
Earth's  fairest  scenes  but  cheat  my  eyes, 
Her  pleasure  is  but  painted  woe. 

II. 
Then  why,  my  soul,  so  loth  to  leave 
These  seats  of  vanity  and  care  ? 
Why  do  I  thus  to  trifles  cleave, 
And  feed  on  chaff,  and  grasp  the  air  ? 

III. 
There  is  a  world  all  fair  and  bright ; 
But  clouds  and  darkness  dwell  between, 
The  sable  veil  obstructs  my  sight, 
And  hides  the  lovely,  distant  scene. 

IV. 
Whene'er  I  look  with  frighted  eyes 
On  death's  impenetrable  shade, 
Alas  !  what  gloomy  horrors  rise, 
And  all  my  trembling  frame  invade  i 

V. 
O  death,  frail  nature's  dreaded  foe, 
Thy  frown  with  terror  fills  my  heart ; 
How  shall  I  bear  the  fatal  blow, 
Which  must  my  soul  and  body  part  ? 


HYMNS    ON    VARIOUS    SUBJECTS.  129 

VI. 

'Tis  sin  which  arms  his  dreadful  frown, 
This  only  points  his  deadly  sting  ; 
My  sins  which  throw  this  gloom  around) 
And  all  these  shocking  terrors  briny. 

VII. 
O  could  I  know  my  sins  forgiv'n, 
Soon  would  these  terrors  disappear  ; 
Then  should  I  see  a  glimpse  of  heav'n. 
And  look  on  death  without  a  fear. 

VIII. 
Jesus,  my  Saviour,  and  my  God, 
To  thee  my  trembling  spirit  flies  ; 
Thy  merits,  thy  atoning-  blood, 
On  this  alone  my  soul  relies. 

IX. 
O  let  thy  love's  all-pow'rful  ray 
With  pleasing  force,  divine  control, 
Arise,  and  chase  these  clouds  away, 
And  shine  around  my  doubting  soul. 

X. 
Then  shall  I  change  the  mournful  strain, 
And  bid  my  thoughts  and  hopes  arise, 
Above  these  gloomy  seats  of  pain, 
To  glorious  worlds  beyond  the  skies. 

XI. 
With  cheerful  heart  I  then  shall  sing, 
And  triumph  o'er  my  vanquisli'd  foe — 
O  death,  where  is  thy  pointed  sting  ? 
My  Saviour  wards  the  fatal  blow. 


130  HYMNS   ON   VARIOUS   SUBJECTS. 

XII. 

O  when  will  that  illustrious  day, 
When  will  that  blissful  moment  come? 
That  shall  my  weary  soul  convey 
Safe  to  her  everlasting  home  ? 

XIII. 
Then  shall  I  leave  these  fetters  here, 
And  upward  rise  to  joys  unknown  ; 
And  call,  without  an  anxious  fear, 
The  fair  inheritance  my  own. 

XIV. 
Adieu  to  all  terrestrial  things  ; 
Come,  bear  me  through  the  starry  road, 
Bright  Seraphs,  on  your  soaring  wings, 
To  see  my  Saviour,  and  my  God. 


REDEMPTION   BY  CHRIST   ALONE. 

1  Pet.  i.  18,  19. 

I. 

-Cjnslav'd  by  sin,  and  bound  in  chains, 
Beneath  its  dreadful  tyrant  sway, 
And  doom'd  to  everlasting  pains, 
We  wretched,  guilty  captives  lay. 

II. 
Nor  gold  nor  gems  could  buy  our  peace  ; 
Nor  the  whole  world's  collected  store 
Suffice  to  purchase  our  release  ; 
A  thousand  worlds  were  all  too  poor. 


HYMNS   ON    VARIOUS    SUBJECTS.  131 

III. 

Jesus  the  Lord,  the  mighty  God, 
An  all-sufficient  ransom  paid  ; 
In  valued  price,  his  precious  blood, 
For  vile  rebellious  traitors  shed. 

IV. 
Jesus  the  sacrifice  became, 
To  rescue  guilty  souls  from  hell  ; 
The  spotless,  bleeding,  dying  Lamb 
Beneath  avenging  justice  fell. 

V. 
Amazing  goodness  !  love  divine  ! 
O  may  our  grateful  hearts  adore 
The  matchless  grace,  nor  yield  to  sin, 
Nor  wear  its  cruel  fetters  more  1 

VI. 
Dear  Saviour,  let  thy  love  pursue 
The  glorious  work  it  has  begun, 
Each  secret,  lurking  foe  subdue, 
And  let  our  hearts  be  thine  alone. 


THE   MYSTERIES   OF  PROVIDENCE. 

I. 

JLiORD,  how  mysterious  are  thy  ways  ! 
How  blind  are  we  !  how  mean  our  praise  ! 
Thy  steps  can  mortal  eyes  explore  ? 
'Tis  ours,  to  wonder  and  adore. 


132  HYMNS    ON    VARIOUS    SUBJECTS. 

II. 

Thy  deep  decrees  from  creature  sight 
Are  hid  in  shades  of  awful  night ; 
Amid  the  lines,  with  curious  eye, 
Not  angel  minds  presume  to  pry. 

III. 
Great  God,  I  would  not  ask  to  see 
What  in  futurity  shall  be  ; 
If  light  and  bliss  attend  my  days, 
Then  let  my  future  hours  be  praise. 

IV. 
Is  darkness  and  distress  my  share '? 
Then  let  me  trust  thy  guardian  care  ; 
Enough  for  me,  if  love  divine, 
At  length  through  ev'ry  cloud  shall  shine. 

V. 
Yet  this  my  soul  desires  to  know, 
Be  this  my  only  wish  below, 
"  That  Christ  is  mine  1" — this  great  request 
Grant,  bounteous  God, — and  I  am  blest. 


REFUGE  AND  STRENGTH  IN  THE  MERCY 
OF  GOD. 

I. 

31  y  God,  'tis  to  thy  mercy-seat 

My  soul  for  shelter  flies  ; 
'Tis  here,  I  find  a  safe  retreat, 

When  storms  and  tempests  rise. 


HYMNS   ON    VARIOUS   SUBJECTS.  133 

II. 

;Tis  here,  my  faith  resolves  to  dwell, 

Nor  shall  I  be  afraid 
Of  all  the  pow'rs  of  earth  or  hell, 

If  thou  vouchsafe  thy  aid. 
III. 
My  cheerful  hope  can  never  die, 

If  thou  my  God  art  near  ; 
Thy  grace  can  raise  my  comforts  high. 

And  banish  ev'ry  fear. 
IV. 
Against  thy  all-supporting  grace 

My  foes  can  ne'er  prevail  ; 
But  oh  !  if  frowns  becloud  thy  face, 

Faith,  hope,  and  life  will  fail. 
V. 
My  great  protector,  and  my  Lord, 

Thy  constant  aid  impart, 
And  let  thy  kind,  thy  gracious  word 

Sustain  my  trembling  heart. 
VI. 
O  never  let  my  soul  remove, 

From  this  divine  retreat ; 
Still  let  me  trust  thy  pow'r  and  love, 

And  dwell  beneath  thy  feet. 


M  VOL.  "J. 


134?  HYMNS    ON   VARIOUS   SUBJECTS. 


DESIRING    RESIGNATION     AND     THANK^ 
FULNESS. 

I. 

W  hen  I  survey  life's  varied  scene. 

Amid  the  darkest  hours, 
Sweet  rays  of  comfort  shine  between, 

And  thorns  are  mix'd  with  flow'rs. 
II. 
Lord,  teach  me  to  adore  thy  hand, 

From  whence  my  comforts  flow  >; 
And  let  me  in  this  desart  land 

A  glimpse  of  Canaan  know. 
III. 
Is  health  and  ease  my  happy  share  ? 

O  may  I  bless  my  God  ; 
Thy  kindness  let  my  songs  declare, 

And  spread  thy  praise  abroad. 
IV. 
While  such  delightful  gifts  as  these. 

Are  kindly  dealt  to  me, 
Be  all  my  hours  of  health  and  ease 

Devoted,  Lord,  to  thee. 
V. 
In  griefs  and  pains  thy  sacred  word, 

(Dear  solace  of  my  soul  !) 
Celestial  comforts  can  afford, 

And  all  their  pow'r  control, 


HYMN'S    ON    VARIOUS    SUBJECTS.  J  35 

VI. 
When  present  sufferings  pain  my  hearty 

Or  future  terrors  rise, 
\nd  light  and  hope  almost  depart 

From  these  dejected  eyes  : 
VII. 
Thy  pow'rful  word  supports  my  hope, 

Sweet  cordial  of  the  mind  ! 
And  bears  my  fainting  spirit  up, 

And  bids  me  wait  resign'd. 
VIII. 
And  O,  whatever  of  earthly  bliss 

Thy  sov'reign  hand  denies, 
Accepted  at  thy  throne  of  grace. 

Let  this  petition  rise  : 
IX. 
*  Give  me  a  calm,  a  thankful  heart, 

"  From  ev'ry  murmur  free  ; 
u  The  blessings  of  thy  grace  impart, 

"  And  let  me  live  to  thee. 
X. 
a  Let  the  sweet  hope  that  thou  art  mine, 

«  My  path  of  life  attend  ; 
"  Thy  presence  through  my  journey  shine, 

u  And  bless  its  happy  end." 


136  HYMNS   ON  VARIOUS  SUBJECTS, 


DESIRING   THE   PRESENCE  OF   GOD. 

isai.  i.  ia 

I. 

Hear,  gracious  God,  my  bumble  moan, 

To  thee  I  breathe  my  sighs, 
When  will  the  mournful  night  be  gone  ? 

And  when  my  joys  arise  ? 
II. 
My  God— O  could  I  make  the  claim—* 

My  father  and  my  friend— « 
And  call  thee  mine,  by  ev'ry  name, 

On  which  thy  saints  depend  ! 
III. 
By  ev'ry  name  of  pow'r  and  love, 

I  would  thy  grace  entreat ; 
Nor  should  my  humble  hopes  remove, 

Nor  leave  thy  sacred  seat. 
IV. 
Yet  though  my  soul  in  darkness  mourns, 

Thy  word  is  all  my  stay  ; 
Here  I  would  rest  till  light  returns,. 

Thy  presence  makes  my  day. 
V. 
Speak,  Lord,  and  bid  celestial  peace 

Relieve  my  aching  heart ; 
O  smile,  and  bid  my  sorrows  cease, 

And  all  the  gloom  depart.  " 


HYMNS    ON    VARIOUS    SUBJECTS.  137 

VI. 

Then  shall  my  drooping  spirit  rise, 

And  bless  thy  healing  rays, 
And  change  these  deep  complaining  sighs, 

For  songs  of  sacred  praise. 


CHRIST  THE  LIFE  OF  THE  SOUL. 

John  xiv.  39. 

I. 

W  hen  sins  and  fears  prevailing  rise, 
And  fainting  hope  almost  expires  ; 
Jesus,  to  thee  I  lift  my  eyes, 
To  thee  I  breathe  my  soul's  desires. 

II. 
Art  thou  not  mine,  my  living  Lord  ? 
And  can  my  hope,  my  comfort  die, 
Fix'd  on  thy  everlasting  word, 
That  word  which  built  the  earth  and  sky  ? 

III. 
If  my  immortal  Saviour  lives, 
Then  my  immortal  life  is  sure  ; 
His  word  a  firm  foundation  gives, 
Here,  let  me  build,  and  rest  secure. 

IV. 
Here,  let  my  fuith  unshaken  dwell, 
Immoveable  the  promise  stands  j 
Nor  all  the  pow'rs  of  earth  or  hell, 
Can  e'er  dissolve  the  sacred  bands. 
M2 


138  HYMNS   ON   VARIOUS   SUBJECTS. 

V. 

Here,  O  my  soul,  thy  trust  repose  ; 
If  Jesus  is  forever  mine, 
Not  death  itself,  that  last  of  foes, 
Shall  break  a  union  so  divine, 


ASPIRING    TOWARDS    HEAVEN 


I. 

V  ain  world,  be  gone,  nor  vex  my  heart 

With  thy  deluding  wiles  ; 
Hence,  empty  promiser,  depart 
With  all  thy  soothing  smiles. 
II. 
Superior  bliss  invites  my  eyes, 
Delight  unmix'd  with  woe  ; 
Now  let  my  nobler  thoughts  arise, 
To  joys  unknown  below. 
III. 
Yon  starry  plains,  how  bright  they  shine, 

With  radiant  specks  of  light  ; 
Fair  pavement  of  the  courts  divine> 
That  sparkles  on  the  sight  ! 
IV. 
aTis  distance  lessens  ev'ry  star  ; 

Could  I  behold  them  nigh, 
Bright  worlds  of  wonder  would  appear 
To  my  astonish'd  eye  ! 


HYMNS    ON    VARIOUS    SUBJECTS. 

V. 

Thus  heav'nly  joys  attract  my  eyes, 

My  heart  the  lustre  warms  ; 
But  could  I  reach  those  upper  skies, 

How  infinite  their  charms  ! 
VI. 
Come,  heav'n-born  faith,  and  aid  my  flight, 

And  guide  my  lising  thought, 
Till  earth,  still  lessening  to  my  sight, 

Shall  vanish,  quite  forgot. 
VII. 
But  when  to  reach  those  blissful  plains 

Her  utmost  ardour  tries, 
And  almost  hears  the  charming  strains 

Of  hymning  angels  rise  : 
VIII; 
Mortality,  with  painful  load, 

Forbids  the  raptur'd  flight  ; 
In  vain  she  means  heaven's  bright  abode. 

And  sinks  to  earth  and  night. 
IX. 
O  let  thy  love,  my  God,  my  King, 

My  hope,  my  heart,  inspire  ; 
And  teach  my  faith  with  stronger  wing 

To  rise,  and  warm  desire. 
X. 
Oft  let  thy  shining  visits  cheer 

This  dark  abode  of  clay, 
Till  I  shall  leave  these  fetters  here,. 

And  rise  to  endless  day. 


140  HYMNS   ON   VARIOUS  SUBJECTS. 


GOD    MY    ONLY   HAPPINESS. 


I. 

When  fill'd  with  grief,  my  anxious  heart 

To  thee,  my  God,  complains, 
Sweet  pleasure  mingles  with  the  smart, 
And  softens  all  my  pains. 
II. 
Earth  flies  with  all  her  soothing  charms, 

Nor  I  the  loss  deplore  -r 
No  more,  ye  phantoms,  mock  my  arms, 
Nor  teaze  my  spirit  more. 
III. 
I  languish  for  superior  joy 

To  all  that  earth  bestows  ; 
For  pleasure  which  can  never  cloy, 
Nor  change,  nor  period  knows. 
IV. 
Still,  must  the  scenes  of  bliss  remain 

Conceal'd  from  mortal  eyes  ? 
And  must  my  wishes  rise  in  vain, 
And  never  reach  the  skies  ? 
V. 
My  God,  O  could  I  call  thee  mine 

Without  a  wav'ring  fear, 
This  would  be  happiness  divine, 
A  heav'n  of  pleasure  here  ! 


HYMNS    ON   VARIOUS   SUBJECTS.  141 

VI. 

Xhis  joy,  my  wishes  long  to  find, 

To  this  my  heart  aspires, 
A  bliss,  immortal  as  the  mind, 

And  vast  as  its  desires  ! 


"MOURNING  THE  ABSENCE  OF  GOD,  AND 
LONGING  FOR  HIS  GRACIOUS  PRES^ 
ENCE. 

I. 

My  God,  to  thee  I  call- 
Must  I  forever  mourn  ? 
So  far  from  thee,  my  life,  my  all  ? 
O  when  wilt  thou  return  ? 

II. 
Dark  as  the  shades  of  night 
My  gloomy  sorrows  rise, 
And  hide  thy  soul-reviving  light 
From  these  desiring  eyes. 

III. 
My  comforts  all  decay, 
My  inward  foes  prevail  ; 
If  thou  withhold  thy  healing  ray, 
Expiring  hope  will  fail. 

IV. 
Away,  distressing  fears, 
My  gracious  God  is  nigh, 
\nd  heav'nly  pity  sees  my  tears, 
And  marks  each  rising  sigh. 


142  HYMNS   ON    VARIOUS    SUBJECTS. 

V. 

Dear  source  of  all  my  joys, 

And  solace  of  my  care, 
O  wilt  thou  hear  my  plaintive  voice 

And  grant  my  humble  pray'r  ! 
VI. 

These  envious  clouds  remove, 

Thy  cheering  light  restore, 
Confirm  my  int'rest  in  thy  love 

Till  I  can  doubt  no  more, 
VII. 

Then  if  my  troubles  rise, 

To  thee,  my  God,  Til  flee, 
And  raise  my  hopes  above  the  skies. 

And  cast  my  cares  on  thee. 


GOD   THE   ONLY  REFUGE  OF  THE  TROU- 
BLED MIND. 

I. 
JDear  refuge  of  my  weary  soul, 

On  thee,  when  sorrows  rise  ; 
On  thee,  when  waves  of  trouble  roll, 

My  fainting  hope  relies. 
II. 
While  hope  revives,  though  prest  with  fears, 

And  I  can  say,  my  God, 
Beneath  thy  feet  I  spread  my  cares, 

And  pour  my  woes  abroad* 


HYMXS    ON    VARIOUS    SUBJECTS.  143 

III. 

To  thee  I  tell  each  rising  grief, 

For  thou  alone  canst  heal  ; 
Thy  word  can  bring  a  sweet  relief 

For  cv'ry  pain  I  feel. 

IV. 
But  oh  !  when  gloomy  doubts  prevail, 

I  fear  to  call  thee  mine  ; 
The  springs  of  comfort  seem  to  fail, 

And  all  my  hopes  decline. 
V. 
Yet,  gracious  God,  where  shall  I  flee  ? 

Thou  art  my  only  trust, 
And  still  my  soul  would  cleave  to  thee, 

Though  prostrate  in  the  dust. 
VI. 
Hast  thou  not  bid  me  seek  thy  face  ? 

And  shall  I  seek  in  vain  ? 
And  can  the  ear  of  sov'reign  grace 

Be  deaf  when  I  complain  ? 
VII. 
No,  still  the  ear  of  sov'reign  grace 

Attends  the  mourner's  pray'r  ; 
O  may  I  ever  find  access, 

To  breathe  my  sorrows  there. 
VIII. 
Thy  mercy-seat  is  open  still  ; 

Here  let  my  soul  retreat, 
With  humble  hope  attend  thy  will, 

And  wait  beneath  thy  feet. 


144  HYMNS   ON   VARIOUS   SUBJECTS. 

COMPLAINING  AT  THE   THRONE  OF 
GRACE. 

I. 

O'erwhelm'd  with  restless  griefs  and  fears, 
Lord,  I  approach  thy  mercy-seat, 
With  aching  heart  and  flowing  tears, 
To  pour  my  sorrows  at  thy  feet. 

II. 
Can  mournful  penitence  and  pray'r 
Address  thy  mercy-seat  in  vain  ? 
Unnotic'd  by  thy  gracious  ear, 
Can  sorrow  and  distress  complain  ? 

III. 
Thy  promises  are  large  and  free, 
To  humble  souls  who  seek  thy  face  ; 
O  where  for  refuge  can  I  flee, 
My  God  ! — but  to  the  throne  of  grace  ? 

IV. 
My  God,  for  yet  my  trembling  heart 
Would  fain  rely  upon  thy  word  ; 
Fain  would  I  bid  my  fears  depart, 
And  cast  my  burthen  on  the  Lord. 

V. 
Thou  see'st  the  tempest  of  my  soul, 
These  restless  waves  of  fear  and  sin  ; 
Thy  voice  can  all  their  rage  control. 
And  make  a  sacred  calm  within, 


HYMN'S    ON    VARIOUS    SUBJECTS.  145 

VI. 

Amid  the  gloomy  shades  of  night, 
To  thee,  I  lift  my  longing  eyes  ; 
My  Saviour  God,  my  life,  my  light, 
When  will  thy  cheering  beams  arise  ? 

VII. 
My  thoughts  recall  thy  favours  past, 
In  many  a  dark  distressing  hour, 
Thy  kind  support  my  heart  confess'd, 
And  own'd  thy  wisdom,  love,  and  povv'r 

VIII. 
And  still  these  bright  perfections  shine, 
Eternal  their  unclouded  rays  ; 
Unchanging  faithfulness  is  thine, 
And  just,  and  right,  are  all  thy  ways. 

IX. 
And  can  my  vile  ungrateful  heart 
Still  harbour  black  distrust  and  fear  f 
O  bid  these  heavy  clouds  depart, 
Bright  sun  of  righteousness,  appear. 

X. 
Let  thy  enliv'ning  healing  voice, 
The  kind  assurance  of  thy  love, 
Relieve  my  heart,  revive  my  joys, 
And  all  my  sins  and  fears  remove. 


N  VOL.   I 


146  HYMNS   ON    VARIOUS   SUBJECTS. 


SUBMISSION  TO  GOD  UNDER  AFFLICTION 

I. 

Jl  eace,  my  complaining,  doubting  heart, 

Ye  busy  cares,  be  still  ; 
Adore  the  just,  the  sov'reign  Lord, 

Nor  murmur  at  his  will. 
II. 
Unerring  wisdom  guides  his  hand  ; 

Nor  dares  my  guilty  fear, 
Amid  the  sharpest  pains  I  feel, 

Pronounce  his  hand  severe. 
III. 
To  soften  ev'ry  painful  stroke, 

Indulgent  mercy  bends  ; 
And  unrepining  when  I  plead, 

His  gracious  ear  attends. 
IV. 
Let  me  reflect  with  humble  awe 

Whene'er  my  heart  complains, 
Compar'd  with  what  my  sins  deserve, 

How  easy  are  my  pains  ! 
V. 
Yes,  Lord,  I  own  thy  sovereign  hand, 

Thou  just,  and  wise,  and  kind  ; 
Be  ev'ry  anxious  thought  supprest, 

And  all  my  soul  resign'd. 


HYMN'S    ON    VARIOUS    SUBJECTS.  147 

VI. 

But  oh  !  indulge  this  only  wish, 

This  boon  I  must  implore  ; 
Assure  my  soul,  that  thou  art  mine, 

My  God,  I  ask  no  more. 


TRUSTING  IN  THE  DIVINE  VERACITY. 

I. 

W  hen  sin  and  sorrow,  fear  and  pain, 

My  trembling  heart  dismay, 
My  feeble  strength,  alas,  how  vain  ! 

It  sinks  and  dies  away. 
II. 
My  spirit  asks  a  firmer  prop, 

I  lean  upon  the  Lord  ; 
My  God,  the  pillar  of  my  hope 

Is  thy  unchanging  word. 
III. 
On  this  are  built  the  brightest  joys, 

Celestial  beings  know, 
And  'tis  the  same  almighty  voice 

Supports  the  saints  below. 
IV. 
'Tis  this  upholds  the  rolling  spheres, 

And  heav'n's  immortal  frame  ; 
Then,  O  my  soul,  suppress  thy  fears. 

Thy  basis  is  the  same. 


148  HYMNS   ON   VARIOUS    SUBJECTS. 

V. 

The  sacred  word,  the  solemn  oath, 

Forever  must  remain  ; 
I  trust  in  everlasting  truth, 

Nor  can  my  trust  be  vain. 


TIME  FLYING,  AND  DEATH  APPROACHING, 

I. 

Awake,  my  soul,  nor  slumb'ring  lie 
Amid  the  gloomy  haunts  of  death  ; 
Perhaps  the  awful  hour  is  nigh, 
Commission 'd  for  my  parting  breath. 

II. 
That  awful  hour  will  soon  appear, 
Swift  on  the  wings  of  time  it  flies, 
When  all  that  pains  or  pleases  here> 
Will  vanish  from  my  closing  eyes. 

III. 
Death  calls  my  friends,  my  neighbours  hence* 
And  none  resist  the  fatal  dart ; 
Continual  warnings  strike  my  sense, 
And  shall  they  fail  to  reach  my  heart  ? 

IV. 
Shall  gay  amusements  rise  between, 
When  scenes  of  horror  spread  around  ? 
Death's  pointed  arrows  fly  unseen, 
But  ah,  how  sure,  how  deep  they  wound  I 


HYMNS    ON    VAIUOLS    SUBJECTS.  149 

V. 

Think,  O  my  soul,  how  much  depends 
On  the  short  period  of  a  day  ; 
Shall  time,  which  heav'n  in  mercy  lends, 
Be  negligently  thrown  away  ? 

VI. 
Thy  remnant  minutes  strive  to  use, 
Awake  !  rouze  ev'ry  active  pow'r  ! 
And  not  m  dreams  and  trifles  lose 
This  little  now  !  this  precious  hour  ! 

VII. 
Lord  of  my  life,  inspire  my  heart 
With  heav'nly  ardour,  grace  divine  ; 
Nor  let  thy  presence  e'er  depart, 
For  strength,  and  life,  and  death  are  thine* 

VIII. 
O  teach  me  the  celestial  skill, 
Each  awful  warning  to  improve  ; 
And  while  my  days  are  short'ning  still, 
Prepare  me  for  the  joys  above. 

IX. 
Insure  my  nobler  life  on  high, 
Life,  from  a  dying  Saviour's  blood  ! 
Then  though  my  minutes  swiftly  fly, 
They  bear  me  nearer  to  my  God. 


N2 


150  HYMNS    ON    TABIOVS    SUBJECTS. 


VICTORY  OVER  DEATH  THROUGH  CHRIST 

1  Cor.  xv.  57. 

I. 

W  hen  death  appears  before  my  sight, 

In  all  his  dire  array, 
Unequal  to  the  dreadful  fight, 
My  courage  dies  away. 
II. 
How  shall  I  meet  this  potent  foe, 
Whose  frown  my  soul  alarms  r 
Dark  horror  sits  upon  his  brow, 
And  vict'ry  waits  his  arms. 
III. 
But  see,  my  glorious  Leader  nigh  1 

My  Lord,  my  Saviour  lives  ; 
Before  him  death's  pale  terrors  fly, 
And  my  faint  heart  revives. 
IV. 
Jesus,  be  thou  my  sure  defence, 

My  guard  forever  near  ; 
And  faith  shall  triumph  over  sense, 
And  never  yield  to  fear. 
V. 
O  may  I  meet  the  dreadful  hour, 

With  fortitude  divine ; 
Sustain'd  by  thy  almighty  pow'r, 
The  conquest  must  be  mine. 


HYMNS    ON    VARIOUS    SUBJECTS.  151 

VI. 

What  though  subdued  this  body  lies, 

Slain  in  the  mortal  strife, 
My  spirit  shall  unconquer'd  rise 

To  a  diviner  life. 

VII. 
Lord,  I  commit  my  soul  to  thee, 

Accept  the  sacred  trust, 
Receive  this  nobler  part  of  me, 

And  watch  my  sleeping  dust  : 
VIII. 
Till  that  illustrious  morning  come, 

When  all  thy  saints  shall  rise, 
And  cloath'd  in  full,  immortal  bloom, 

Attend  thee  to  the  skies. 
IX. 
When  thy  triumphant  armies  sing 

The  honours  of'thy  name, 
And  heavVs  eternal  arches  ring, 

With  glory  to  the  Lamb  : 
X. 
O  let  me  join  the  raptur'd  lays, 

And,  with  the  blissful  throng, 
Resound  salvation,  pow'r,  and  praise, 

In  everlasting  song. 


152  HYMNS   ON   VARIOUS   SUBJECTS. 


CHRIST  THE  SUPREME  BEAUTY. 

Isai.  xxxiii.  17. 

I. 

Ohould  nature's  charms,  to  please  the  eye, 

In  sweet  assemblage  join, 
All  nature's  charms  would  droop  and  die, 

Jesus,  compared  with  thine. 
II. 
Vain  were  her  fairest  beams  display'd, 

And  vain  her  blooming  store  ; 
Ev'n  brightness  languishes  to  shade, 

And  beauty  is  no  more. 
III. 
But  ah,  how  far  from  mortal  sight, 

The  Lord  of  glory  dwells  ! 
A  veil  of  interposing  night 

His  radiant  face  conceals. 
IV. 
O  could  my  longing  spirit  rise 

On  strong  immortal  wing, 
And  reach  thy  palace  in  the  skies, 

My  Saviour,  and  my  king  ! 
V. 
There  myriads  worship  at  thy  feet, 

And  there,  (divine  employ  !) 
The  triumphs  of  thy  love  repeat, 

In  songs  of  endless  joy. 


HVMNS    ON    VARIOUS    SUBJECTS.  151 

VI. 

Thy  presence  beams  eternal  day, 

O'er  all  the  blissful  place  ; 
Who  would  not  drop  this  load  of  clay, 

And  die  to  see  thy  face  ? 


THE    PROMISED    LAND. 

Isai.  xxxiii.  17. 

I. 

h  ar  from  these  narrow  scenes  of  night 

Unbounded  glories  rise, 
And  realms  of  infinite  delight, 

Unknown  to  mortal  eyes. 
II. 
Fair  distant  land  !— .could  mortal  eyes 

But  half  its  joys  explore, 
How  would  our  spirits  long  to  rise, 

And  dwell  on  earth  no  more  ! 
III. 
There  pain  and  sickness  never  come, 

And  grief  no  more  complains  ; 
Health  triumphs  in  immortal  bloom, 

And  endless  pleasure  reigns  I 
IV. 
From  discord  free,  and  war's  alarms, 

And  want,  and  pining  care, 
Plenty  and  peace  unite  their  charms, 

-\nd  smile  unchanging  there. 


154  HYMNS   ON   VARIOUS   SUBJECTS. 

V. 

There  rich  varieties  of  joy- 
Continual  feast  the  mind  ; 
Pleasures  which  fill,  but  never  cloy, 

Immortal  and  refin'd  ! 
VI. 
No  factious  strife,  no  envy  there, 

The  sons  of  peace  molest, 
But  harmony  and  love  sincere 

Fill  every  happy  breast. 
VII. 
No  clouds  those  blissful  regions  know. 

Forever  bright  and  fair  I 
For  sin,  the  source  of  mortal  woe, 

Can  never  enter  there. 

VIII. 
There  no  alternate  night  is  known, 

Nor  sun's  faint  sickly  ray  ; 
But  glory  from  the  sacred  throne 

Spreads  everlasting  day. 
IX. 
The  glorious  monarch  there  displays 

His  beams  of  wond'rous  grace  ; 
His  happy  subjects  sing  his  praise, 

And  bow  before  his  face. 
X. 
O  may  the  heav'nly  prospect  fire 

Our  hearts  with  ardent  love, 
Till  wings  of  faith  and  strong  desire 

Bear  ev'ry  thought  above. 


HYMN'S    OX    VARIOUS    SUBJECTS.  155 

XI. 

Prepare  us,  Lord,  by  grace  divine, 

For  thy  bright  courts  on  high  ; 
Then  bid  our  spirits  rise  and  join 

The  chorus  of  the  sky. 


THE    HEAVENLY   SHEPHERD. 

Psalm  xxiii.  1,  2,  3 

I. 

W  hile  my  Redeemer's  near, 

My  shepherd  and  my  guide, 
I  bid  farewel  to  anxious  fear, 

My  wants  are  all  supply'd. 
II. 

To  ever-fragrant  meads, 

Where  rich  abundance  grows. 
His  gracious  hand  indulgent  leads, 

And  guards  my  sweet  repose. 
III. 

Along  the  lovely  scene, 

Cool  waters  gently  roll, 
And  kind  refreshment  smiles  serene; 

To  cheer  my  fainting  soul. 
IV. 

Here  let  my  spirit  rest  ; 

How  sweet  a  lot  is  mine  ! 
With  pleasure,  food,  and  safety  blest  ; 

Beneficence  divine  i 


156  HYMNS  ON   VARIOUS   SUBJECTS. 

V. 

Dear  shepherd,  if  I  stray, 

My  wand'ring  feet  restore, 
To  thy  fair  pastures  guide  my  way, 

And  let  me  rove  no  more. 
VI. 

Unworthy,  as  I  am, 

Of  thy  protecting  care, 
Jesus,  I  plead  thy  gracious  name, 

For  all  my  hopes  are  there. 


THE  CHRISTIAN'S  NOBLEST  RESOLUTION. 

Joshua  xxiv.  15. 

I. 

Ah,  wretched  souls,  who  strive  in  vain, 
Slaves  to  the  world,  and  slaves  to  sin  ! 
A  nobler  toil  may  I  sustain, 
A  nobler  satisfaction  win. 
II. 
May  I  resolve  with  all  my  heart, 
With  all  my  pow'rs,  to  serve  the  Lord. 
Nor  from  his  precepts  e'er  depart, 
Whose  service  is  a  rich  reward. 

III. 
O  be  his  service  all  my  joy, 
Around  let  my  example  shine, 
Till  others  love  the  blest  employ. 
And  join  in  labours  so  divine. 


HYMNS   ON    VARIOUS    SUBJECTS.  157" 

IV. 

Be  this  the  purpose  of  my  soul, 

My  solemn,  my  detcrmin'd  choice, 
To  yield  to  his  supreme  control, 
And  in  his  kind  commands  rejoice. 

V. 
O  may  I  never  faint  nor  tire, 
Nor  wandering  leave  his  sacred  ways  ; 
Great  God,  accept  my  soul's  desire, 

\nd  give  me  strength  to  live  thy  praise. 


THE   SAVIOUR'S   INVITATION. 

John  vii.  St 

I. 

JL  he  Saviour  calls — let  ev'ry  ear 

Attend  the  heav'nly  sound  ; 
Ye  doubting  souls,  dismiss  your  fear, 

Hope  smiles  reviving  round. 
II. 
For  ev'ry  thirsty,  longing  heart, 

Here  streams  of  bounty  flow, 
\nd  life,  and  health,  and  bliss  impart. 

To  banish  mortal  woe. 
III. 
Here,  springs  of  sacred  pleasure  rise, 

To  ease  your  every  pain, 
(Immortal  fountain  !  full  supplies  !) 

Nor  shall  you  thirst  in  vain. 

O  VOL.    I. 


158  HYMNS    ON    VARIOUS    SUBJECTS, 

IV. 

Ye  sinners,  come,  'tis  mercy's  voice, 

The  gracious  call  obey  ; 
Mercy  invites  to  heav'nly  joys — - 

And  can  you  yet  delay  ? 
V. 
Dear  Saviour,  draw  reluctant  hearts, 

To  thee  let  sinners  fly, 
And  take  the  bliss  thy  love  imparts? 

And  drink  and  never  die. 


JESUS  THE   BEST   BELOVED. 


I. 

JJear  centre  of  my  best  desires, 

And  sov'reign  of  my  heart, 
What  sweet  delight  thy  name  inspires  ! 

What  bliss  thy  smiles  impart  ! 
II. 
Jesus — O  loveliest,  dearest  name  ! 

And  wilt  thou  condescend 
To  own  the  bold,  yet  humble  claim, 

My  everlasting  friend  ? 
III. 
Too  oft,  alas,  my  passions  rove, 

In  search  of  meaner  charms  j 
Trifles  unworthy  of  my  love 

Divide  me  from  thy  arms. 


HYMNS    ON    VARIOUS    SUBJECTS.  159 

IV. 

Ye  teizing  vanities  depart, 

I  seek  my  absent  Lord  ; 
No  balm  to  ease  my  aching  heart, 

Can  all  your  joys  afford. 
V. 
Come,  dearest  Lord,  with  pow'r  divine, 

And  drive  thy  foes  away  ; 
0  be  my  heart,  my  passions  thine, 

And  never,  never  stray. 


DESIRING   TO   KNOW   AND   LOVE   HIM 
MORE. 

I. 

JL  hou  lovely  source  of  true  delight, 

Whom  I  unseen  adore, 
Unveil  thy  beauties  to  my  sight, 

That  I  may  love  thee  more. 
II. 
Thy  glory  o'er  creation  shines  ; 

But  in  thy  sacred  word 
I  read,  in  fairer,  brighter  lines, 

My  bleeding,  dying  Lord. 
III. 
'Tis  here,  whene'er  my  comforts  droop, 

And  sins  and  sorrows  rise, 
Thy  love,  with  cheerful  beams  of  hope, 

My  fainting  heart  supplies. 


160  HYMNS    ON    VARIOUS    SUBJECTS. 

IV. 

But  ah,  too  soon,  the  pleasing  scene 

Is  clouded  o'er  with  pain  ; 
My  gloomy  fears  rise  dark  between, 

And  I  again  complain. 
V. 
Jesus,  my  Lord,  my  life,  my  light, 

O  come  with  blissful  ray, 
Break  radiant  through  the  shades  of  nighty 

And  chase  my  fears  away. 
VI. 
Then  shall  my  soul  with  rapture  trace 

The  wonders  of  thy  love  ; 
But  the  full  glories  of  thy  face 

Are  only  known  above. 


THE  GLORIOUS  PRESENCE  OF  CHRIST 
IN  HEAVEN. 

John  xvii.  24. 
I. 

O  for  a  sweet  inspiring  ray, 

To  animate  our  feeble  strains, 

From  the  bright  realms  of  endless  day, 

The  blissful  realms,  where  Jesus  reigns  ! 

II. 
There  low  before  his  glorious  throne 
Adoring  saints  and  angels  fall, 
And  with  delightful  worship  own 
His  smile  their  bliss,  their  heav'n,  their  all 


HtMllS    ON    VARIOUS    SUBJECTS.  161 

III. 

Immortal  glories  crown  his  head, 
While  tuneful  hallelujahs  rise, 
And  love,  and  joy,  and  triumph  spread 
Through  all  th' assemblies  of  the  skies. 

IV. 
He  smiles,  and  seraphs  tune  their  songs 
To  boundless  rapture  while  they  gaze  ; 
Ten  thousand  thousand  joyful  tongues 
Resound  his  everlasting  praise. 

V. 
There  all  the  fav'rites  of  the  Lamb 
Shall  join  at  last  the  heav'nly  choir  ; 
O  may  the  joy-inspiring  theme 
Awake  our  faith  and  warm  desire. 

VI. 
Dear  Saviour,  let  thy  spirit  seal 
Our  int'rest  in  that  blissful  place  ; 
Till  death  remove  this  mortal  veil, 
And  we  behold  thy  lovely  face. 


THE   HAPPINESS  OF  THE  SAINTS  ABOVE. 

JoHNXvii.  24. 

I. 

O  could  we  read  our  int'rest  here, 
Jesus,  in  these  dear  words  of  thine, 
A  heav'n  of  pleasure  would  appear, 
A  blissful  view  of  joys  divine. 
02 


102  HYMNS   ON    VARIOUS    SUBJECTS. 

II. 

Dear  Saviour,  let  thy  boundless  grace 
Remove  our  guilt,  our  fears  remove  ; 
Then  shall  our  thoughts  with  rapture  trace 
The  radiant  mansions  of  thy  love. 

III. 
There  shall  our  hearts  no  more  complain, 
Nor  sin  prevail,  nor  grace  decay  j 
But  perfect  joy  forever  reign, 
One  glorious,  undeclining  day. 

IV. 
No  darkness  there  shall  cloud  our  sight  ; 
These  now  dejected,  feeble  eyes, 
Shall  gaze,  with  infinite  delight, 
On  the  full  glories  of  the  skies. 

V. 
There  shall  we  see  thy  lovely  face, 
And,  chang'd  to  purity  divine, 
Partake  the  splendors  of  the  place, 
And  in  thy  glorious  likeness  shine. 

VI. 
Yes,  dearest  Lord,  to  dwell  with  thee, 
Thy  praise  our  endless,  sweet  employ  r 
Must  be  immense  felicity, 
A  full  infinitude  of  joy  ! 

VII. 
O  let  thy  spirit  now  impart, 
The  kind  assurance  of  thy  love, 
With  sealing  pow'r  to  ev'ry  heart. 
Sweet  earnest  of  the  joys  above. 


HYMNS    ON    VARIOUS    SUBJECTS  16" 


HYMN    TO   JESUS. 

I. 

J  esus,  in  thy  transporting  name 

What  blissful  glories  rise  ! 
Jesus,  the  angel's  sweetest  theme  ! 

The  wonder  of  the  skies  ! 
II. 
Well  might  the  skies  with  wonder  view 

A  love  so  strange  as  thine  ! 
No  thought  of  angels  ever  knew 

Compassion  so  divine  ! 
III. 
Didst  thou  forsake  thy  radiant  crown, 

And  boundless  realms  of  day, 
(Aside  thy  robes  of  glory  thrown,) 

To  dwell  in  feeble  clay  ? 
IV. 
Jesus, — and  didst  thou  leave  the  sky 

For  miseries  and  woes  ? 
And  didst  thou  bleed,  and  groan  and  die, 

For  vile  rebellious  foes  ? 
V. 
Through  the  deep  horrors  of  thy  pain 

Then  love  triumphant  smil'd  ; 
Earth  trembled  at  the  dreadful  scene, 

And  heaven  was  reconcil'd. 


164  HYMNS    ON    VARIOUS    SUBJECTS. 

VI. 

Victorious  love  !  can  language  tell 

The  wonders  of  thy  pow'r, 
Which  conquer'd  all  the  force  of  hell, 

In  that  tremendous  hour  ? 
VII. 
Is  there  a  heart  that  will  not  bend 

To  thy  divine  control  ? 
Descend,  O  sov'reign  love,  descend, 

And  melt  the  stubborn  soul. 
VIII. 
O  may  our  willing  hearts  confess 

Thy  sweet,  thy  gentle  sway  ; 
Glad  captives  of  resistless  grace, 

Thy  pleasing  rule  obey. 
IX. 
Come,  dearest  Lord,  extend  thy  reign, 

Till  rebels  rise  no  more  ; 
Thy  praise  all  nature  then  shall  join, 

And  heav'n  and  earth  adore. 


PRAISE  TO   THE   REDEEMER 

I. 

X  o  our  Redeemer's  glorious  name, 

Awake  the  sacred  song  ! 
O  may  his  love,  (immortal  flame  !) 

Tune  ev'ry  heart  and  tongue. 


HYMNS    ON"    VARIOUS    SUBJECTS.  16. 

II. 

His  love,  what  mortal  thought  can  reach  ? 

What  mortal  tongue  display  ? 
Imagination's  utmost  stretch 

In  wonder  dies  away. 

III. 
Let  wonder  still  with  love  unite, 

And  gratitude  and  joy  ; 
Be  Jesus  our  supreme  delight, 

His  praise,  our  best  employ. 
IV. 
Jesus,  who  left  his  throne  on  high, 

Left  the  bright  realms  of  bliss, 
And  came  on  earth  to  bleed  and  die — . 

Was  ever  love  like  this  ? 
V. 
Dear  Lord,  while  we  adoring  pay 

Our  humble  thanks  to  thee, 
May  ev'ry  heart  with  rapture  say, 

The  Saviour  dy'd  for  me. 
VI. 
O  may  the  sweet,  the  blissful  theme 

Fill  ev'ry  heart  and  tongue, 
Till  strangers  love  thy  charming  name. 

And  join  the  sacred  song. 


166  HYMNS   ON   VARIOUS   SUBJECTS. 


DESIRING  TO   LOVE  CHRIST  WITHOUT 
WANDERING. 

I. 

x  e  earthly  vanities,  depart, 

Forever  hence  remove  ; 
Jesus  alone  deserves  my  heart, 

And  ev'ry  thought  of  love. 
II. 
His  hearty  where  love  and  pity  dwelt 

In  all  their  softest  forms, 
Sustain'd  the  heavy  load  of  guilt, 

For  lost  rebellious  worms  : 
III. 
His  heart,  whence  love  abundant  fiow'd 

To  wash  the  stains  of  sin, 
In  precious  streams  of  vital  blood— « 

Here,  all  my  hopes  begin. 
IV. 
Can  I  my  bleeding  Saviour  view. 

And  yet  ungrateful  prove, 
And  pierce  his  wounded  heart  anew, 

And  grieve  his  injur'd  love  ? 
V. 
Forbid  it,  Lord,  O  bind  this  heart, 

This  rebel  heart  of  mine, 
So  firm,  that  it  may  ne'er  depart, 

In  chains  of  love  divine. 


HYMKI    ON    VARIOUS    SUBJECTS.  167 


THE   EXALTED   SAVIOUR. 

I. 

iN  ow  let  us  raise  our  cheerful  strains, 
And  join  the  blissful  choir  above  ; 
There  our  exalted  Saviour  reigns, 
And  there  they  sing  his  wond'rous  love. 

II. 
While  seraphs  tune  th'  immortal  song, 
O  may  we  feel  the  sacred  flame  ; 
And  ev'ry  heart  and  ev'ry  tongue 
Adore  the  Saviour's  glorious  name. 

III. 
Jesus,  who  once  upon  the  tree 
In  agonizing  pains  expir'd, 
Who  dy'd  for  rebels — yes,  'tis  he  ! 
How  bright  !  how  lovely  !  how  admir'd  1 

IV. 
Jesus,  who  dy'd  that  we  might  live, 
Dy'd  in  the  wretched  traitor's  place— 
O  what  returns  can  mortals  give, 
For  such  immeasurable  grace  ? 

V. 
Were  universal  nature  ours, 
And  art  with  all  her  boasted  store, 
Nature  and  art  with  all  their  pow'rs 
Would  still  confess  the  off'rer  poor  ! 


168  HYMNS   ON   VARIOUS    SUBJECTS. 

VI. 

Yet  though  for  bounty  so  divine 
We  ne'er  can  equal  honours  raise, 
Jesus,  may  all  our  hearts  be  thine, 
And  all  our  tongues  proclaim  thy  praise. 


THE   WONDERS   OF   REDEMPTION. 

1  Pet.  Hi.  18 

I. 

And  did  the  holy  and  the  just, 

The  sov'reign  of  the  skies, 
Stoop  down  to  wretchedness  and  dust, 
That  guilty  worms  might  rise  ? 
II. 
Yes,  the  Redeemer  left  his  throne, 

His  radiant  throne  on  high, 
(Surprizing  mercy  !  love  unknown  !) 
To  suffer,  bleed,  and  die. 
III. 
"^Ie  took  the  dying  traitor's  place, 

And  suffer'd  in  his  stead  ; 
For  man,  (O  miracle  of  grace  I) 
For  man  the  Saviour  bled  ! 
IV. 
Dear  Lord,  what  heav'nly  wonders  dwell 

In  thy  atoning  blood  ? 
By  this  are  sinners  snatch'd  from  hell, 
And  rebels  brought  to  God. 


HYMNSgON    VARIOUS    SI  \6j 

V. 

Jesus,  my  soul,  adoring,  bends 

To  love  so  full,  so  free  ; 
And  may  I  hope  that  love  extends 

Its  sacred  power  to  me  ? 
VI. 
What  glad  return  can  I  impart, 

For  favours  so  divine  ? 
O  take  my  all, — this  worthless  heart. 

And  make  it  only  thine. 


COMMUNION    WITH    CHRIST    AT    HIS 
TABLE. 

I. 

JL  o  Jesus,  our  exalted  Lord, 
(Dear  name,  by  heav'n  and  earth  ador'd  !) 
Fain  would  our  hearts  and  voices  raise 
\  cheerful  song  of  sacred  praise. 

II. 
But  all  the  notes  which  mortals  know, 
Are  weak,  and  languishing,  and  low  ; 
Far,  far  above  our  humble  songs, 
The  theme  demands  immortal  tongues. 

III. 
Yet  while  around  his  board  we  meet. 
And  worship  at  his  glorious  feet  ; 
O  let  our  warm  affections  move 
In  glad  returns  of  grateful  love. 
P  vol.  r. 


170  HYMNS    ON    VARIOUS    SUBJECTS. 

IV. 

Yes,  Lord,  we  love  and  we  adore, 
But  long  to  know  and  love  thee  more  ; 
And  while  we  taste  the  bread  and  wine, 
Desire  to  feed  on  joys  divine. 

V. 
Let  faith  our  feeble  senses  aid, 
To  see  thy  wond'rous  love  display'd, 
Thy  broken  flesh,  thy  bleeding  veins, 
Thy  dreadful  agonizing  pains. 

VI. 
Let  humble  penitential  woe, 
With  painful,  pleasing  anguish  flow, 
And  thy  forgiving  smiles  impart 
Life,  hope,  and  joy,  to  ev'ry  heart. 


FAITH  IN  A  REDEEMER'S    SUFFERINGS, 

I. 

J_iORD,  when  my  thoughts  delighted  rove 
Amid  the  wonders  of  thy  love, 
Sweet  hope  revives  my  drooping  heart, 
And  bids  intruding  fears  depart. 

II. 
But  while  thy  sufferings  I  survey, 
And  faith  enjoys  a  heav'nly  ray, 
These  dear  memorials  of  thy  pain 
Present  anew  the  dreadful  scene, 


HYMNS    ON    VARIOUS    SUBJECTS.  171 

III. 

I  hear  thy  groans  with  deep  surprise, 
And  view  thy  wounds  with  weeping  eyes, 
Each  bleeding  wound,  each  dying  groan, 
With  anguish  fraught,  and  pains  unknown. 

IV. 
For  mortal  crimes  a  sacrifice, 
The  Lord  of  life,  the  Saviour  dies  : 
What  love,  what  mercy,  how  divine  ! — 
Jesus,  and  can  I  call  thee  mine  ?— 

V. 
Repentant  sorrow  fills  my  heart, 
But  mingling  joy  allays  the  smart : 
O  may  my  future  life  declare 
The  sorrow  and  the  joy  sincere. 

VI. 
Be  all  my  heart,  and  all  my  days 
Devoted  to  my  Saviour's  praise  ; 
And  let  my  glad  obedience  prove 
How  much  I  owe,  how  much  I  loVe. 


A   DYING   SAVIOUR. 

I. 

otretch'd  on  the  cross  the  Saviour  dies  ; 
Hark  !  his  expiring  groans  arise  ! 
See,  from  his  hands,  his  feet,  his  side, 
Runs  down  the  sacred  crimson  tide  ! 


172  HYMNS    ON    VARIOUS   SUBJECTS. 

II. 

But  life  attends  the  deathful  sound, 
And  flows  from  ev'ry  bleeding  wound  : 
The  vital  stream,  how  free  it  flows, 
To  save  and  cleanse  his  rebel  foes  ! 

III. 
To  suffer  in  the  traitor's  place> 
To  die  for  man,  surprizing  grace  I 
Yet  pass  rebellious  angels  by — 
O  why  for  man,  dear  Saviour,  why  I 

IV. 
And  didst  thou  bleed,  for  sinners  bleed  2 
And  could  the  sun  behold  the  deed  ? 
No,  he  withdrew  his  sick'ning  ray, 
And  darkness  veil'd  the  mourning  day* 

V. 
Can  I  survey  this  scene  of  woe, 
Where  mingling  grief  and  wonder  flow  % 
And  yet  my  heart  unmov'd  remain, 
Insensible  to  love  or  pain  ! 

VI. 
Come,  dearest  Lord,  thy  pow'r  impart, 
To  warm  this  cold,  this  stupid  heart  ; 
Till  all  its  pow'rs  and  passions  move, 
In  melting  grief  and  ardent  love. 


HYMN:?   ON    VARIOUS    SUBJECTS.  171 


MEDITATING    ON    THE     REDEEMER'S 
SUFFERINGS. 


xvecall,  my  heart,  that  dreadful  hour, 
When  Jesus  on  the  cursed  tree 
Infinite  pains  and  sorrows  bore — 
Think,  O  my  soul,  was  this  for  thee  ? 

II. 
See,  crown'd  with  thorns  that  sacred  head, 
With  beams  of  glory  once  adorn'd  ! 
That  voice,  which  heaven  and  earth  obey'd, 
Is  now  by  traitors  mock'd  and  scorn'd. 

III. 
And  see  those  lovely  melting  eyes, 
Whence  kind  compassion  often  flow'd, 
Now  rais'd  imploring  to  the  skies, 
For  harden'd  souls  athirst  for  blood  ! 

IV. 
Those  healing  hands  with  blessings  fraught, 
Nail'd  to  the  cross  with  pungent  smart  ! 
Inhuman  deed  !  could  no  kind  thought 
To  pity  move  the  ruthless  heart  ? 

V. 
But  oh  !  what  agonies  unknown, 
His  soul  sustain'd  beneath  the  load 
Of  mortal  crimes  !  how  deep  the  groan 
Which  calm'd  the  vengeance  of  a  God  ! 
P2 


174        HYMNS  ON  VARIOUS  SUBJECTS, 

VI. 

He  groan'd  !  he  dy'd  !  the  awful  scene 
Of  wonder,  grief,  surprizing  love, 
Forever  let  my  heart  retain, 
Nor  from  my  Saviour's  feet  remove. 

VII. 
Jesus,  accept  this  wretched  heart, 
Which  trembling,  mourning,  comes  to  thee 
The  blessing  of  thy  death  impart, 
And  tell  my  soul,  'tis  all  for  me. 


SIN  THE  CAUSE   OF  CHRIST'S   DEATH 

I. 

W  as  it  for  sin,  for  mortal  guilt, 
The  Saviour  gave  his  vital  blood  ? 
For  sin  amazing  anguish  felt, 
The  wrath  of  an  offended  God  ? 

II. 
When  bleeding,  groaning,  on  the  tree, 
He  breath'd  such  agonizing  cries, 
When  nature  suffer'd,  Lord,  with  thee, 
And  darkness  cloath'd  the  mourning  skies, 

III. 
And  shall  I  harbour  in  my  breast 
(Tremble  my  soul  at  such  a  deed) 
This  dreadful  foe,  this  fatal  guest  ? 
'Twas  sin  that  made  my  Saviour  bleed. 


HYMNS    ON    VARIOUS    SUBJECTS.  17 

IV. 

l'is  sin  that  would  my  ruin  prove, 
And  sink  me  down  to  endless  woe  ; 
But  O  forbid  it,  heavenly  love, 
And  save  me  from  the  cursed  foe. 

V. 
Ye  sins,  ye  cruel  sins,  depart, 
Your  tyrant  sway  I  cannot  bear  ; 
.My  rightful  sov'reign  claims  my  heart, 
Jesus  alone  shall  govern  here. 

VI. 
Come,  glorious  conqu'ror,  gracious  Lord, 
Thy  all-prevailing  pow'r  employ  ; 
O  come,  with  thy  resistless  word, 
These  hateful  enemies  destroy. 

VII. 
Guilty  and  weak  to  thee  I  fly, 
My  Lord,  my  Saviour,  and  my  friend, 
On  thy  almighty  arm  rely, 
On  thy  atoning  blood  depend. 

VIII. 

My  all  of  hope  is  fix'd  on  thee, 
For  thou  alone  hast  pow'r  divine  ; 
O  come,  and  conquer,  Lord,  for  me, 
And  all  the  glory  shall  be  thine. 


CHRIST    DYING    AND    RISING. 
I. 

Lome  tune,  ye  saints,  your  noblest  strains, 
Your  dying,  rising  Lord  to  sing, 


176  HYMNS   ON   VARIOUS   SUBJECTS. 

And  echo  to  the  heav'nly  plains 
The  triumphs  of  your  Saviour-King. 

II. 
In  songs  of  grateful  rapture  tell 
How  he  subdu'd  your  potent  foes, 
Subdu'd  the  pow'rs  of  death  and  hell, 
And,  dying,  finish'd  all  your  woes. 

III. 
Then  to  his  glorious  throne  on  high 
Return 'd,  while  hymning  angels  round, 
Through  the  bright  arches  of  the  sky, 
The  God,  the  conqu'ring  God,  resound. 

IV. 
Almighty  love  !  victorious  pow'r  ! 
Not  angel-tongues  can  e'er  display 
The  wonders  of  that  dreadful  hour, 
The  joys  of  that  illustrious  day. 

V. 
Then  well  may  mortals  try  in  vain, 
In  vain  their  feeble  voices  raise  ; 
Yet  Jesus  hears  the  humble  strain, 
And  kindly  owns  our  wish  to  praise. 

VI. 
Dear  Saviour,  let  thy  wond'rous  grace 
Fill  ev'ry  heart  and  ev'ry  tongue, 
Till  the  full  glories  of  thy  face 
Inspire  a  sweeter,  nobler  song. 


POEMS 


ON 


SEVERAL    OCCASIONS. 


OCCASIONAL    POEMS. 


TO    LYSANDER. 


I. 

A  muse,  in  learning's  arduous  toil  unskill'd, 

That  sung  her  wild  notes  to  the  silent  shade, 
Collected  blossoms  from  her  native  field, 

And  o'er  the  rural  scenes  delighted  stray'd  : 
Though  unambitious  of  the  wreath  of  fame, 
Yet  glow'd  her  bosom  with  a  nobler  flame. 

II. 
Nor  kings  nor  heroes  grac'd  her  artless  lay, 

For  peaceful  themes  to  sylvan  shades  belong 
Alike  unknown  among  the  great  and  gay, 

Soft  adulation  fiow'd  not  in  her  song. 
To  heav'n  that  gave  them,  oft  her  notes  aspire. 
Or  friendship  wakes  the  sympathizing  lyre. 


ISO  OCCASIONAL    TOEMS. 

III. 

Indulgent  Friendship,  listening,  caught  the  strain, 

And  fondly  fancy'd  it  was  tun'd  to  move  ; 
Then,  smiling,  bore  it  to  the  distant  plain, 

Far,  ah  how  far  beyond  its  native  grove  J 
But  say,  Lysander,  can  such  notes  as  these 
Amid  politer  scenes  expect  to  please  ? 

IV. 
Say,  can  these  untaught  airs  acceptance  find 

Where  Milton,  wond'rous  bard  !  divinely  sung  ? 
Or  yield  a  taste  of  pleasure  to  the  mind 

That  raptur'd  soars  with  Hervey  or  with  Young  ? 
In  minds  of  polish'd  frame  can  friendship  dwell 
Plain,  unadorn'd,  as  in  the  rural  cell  ? 

V. 
Yet  friendship  dwells  with  piety  sincere, 

Or  in  the  cottage,  or  the  stately  dome, 
Whether  detain'd  in  crouded  scenes  of  care, 

Or  in  the  village  fix'd,  her  peaceful  home  : 
Where  these  reside,  though  artless  be  her  strain, 
O  may  the  muse  a  kind  admission  gain. 

VI. 
If  minds,  where  piety  and  friendship  glow, 

Approving  smile,  and  own  the  kindred  theme  ; 
That  smile  a  nobler  pleasure  will  bestow, 

Than  all  the  laurell'd  wreaths  of  boasting  fame  : 
Blest  minds  !  to  these  the  Muse  devotes  her  lays  ; 
If  these  approve,  she  seeks  no  other  praise 


OCCASIONAL    POT  MS  181 


AN  EVENING;   MEDITATION. 


W  hen  Phoebus  had  withdrawn  his  radiant  beams, 
And  evening  spread  her  sable  curtains  round  ; 
In  that  soft  hour  when  to  the  list'ning  grove 
Her  pleasing,  soothing,  melancholy  airs 
Poor  Philomel  begins — (the  kindly  dews 
Shed  their  soft  influence  on  the  fragrant  herb, 
And  gave  fresh  odours  to  the  flow'ry  shrub, 
Refreshing  to  the  sense) — the  charming  scene 
Alluring  cali'd  to  taste  the  evening  air, 
Amid  the  verdure  of  the  lonely  shade  ; 
The  lonely  shade  indulgent  to  the  Muse. 

Here  may  I  stretch  my  wondVing  eyes  around 
O'er  all  the  beauteous  landscape,  and  behold 
Almighty  pow'r  and  wisdom  plain  impress'd 
On  ev'ry  tree,  on  ev'ry  plant  and  flower. 
All  own  the  sov'reign  Architect  divine, 
And  in  their  different  language  speak  his  praise. 
The  gentle  zephyrs  with  harmonious  breath, 
Brush  through  the  grove,  and  play  along  the  stream, 
And  in  soft  whispers  to  the  silver  wave, 
Speak  their  Creator's  name,  and  die  away. 
The  silver  wave  retains  the  pleasing  theme, 
Laves  her  glad  banks,  and  gently  murm'ring  on, 
Bears  to  the  ncighb'ting  trees  the  welcome  sound  ; 

Q.  VOL.    I. 


ioJ  OCCASIONAL    POEMS. 

They  bend  their  wav'ring  tops,  adore,  and  praise. 
The  lofty  mountains  rear  their  tow'ring  heads, 
Tall  and  majestic,  to  the  fleecy  clouds  ; 
With  awful  pride  confess  their  Maker  God, 
How  great  his  pow'r,  how  wide  his  dread  command. 
Dress'd  in  a  thousand  charms,  the  flow'ry  vale 
Displays  his  goodness  in  her  cheerful  bloom, 
And  smiling  owns  beneficence  divine. 

Harmonious  all  and  fair  !  whole  nature  joins 
To  speak  the  wonders  of  creating  skill ; 
Bids  us  in  all  his  works  confess  the  God, 
And  bend  our  souls  adoring  at  his  feet. 

Whether  with  pleasing  rapture  I  survey 
The  smiling  green  in  rich  emhroid'ry  drest, 
Or  the  more  solemn  grove  in  shady  state, 
Or  contemplate  the  smoothly  flowing  stream  ; 
Or  if  I  raise  my  wand'ring  eyes  to  gaze 
On  yonder  azure  plain,  unnumberd  beauties 
Inspire  my  breast  with  wonder  and  delight. 

Serenely  bright  ascends  the  silver  moon 
Attended  by  th'  innumerable  train 
Of  sparkling  stars,  with  rich  profusion  pour'd 
O'er  all  the  vast  expanse  ;  and  ev'ry  star, 
In  ev'ry  beam,  proclaims  his  Maker's  praise. 

O  Thou,  both  nature's  author  and  her  lord, 
Whose  pow'r  and  skill,  in  all  thy  works  confess'd, 
Demand  the  tribute  of  my  noblest  song  ; 


OCCASIONAL    POEMS.  183 

Instruct  my  heart,  and  raise  my  humble  thoughts 
To  trace  thy  forming  hand  in  ev'ry  scene, 
And  in  thy  works  to  meditate  thy  praise  : 
Till,  led  by  these,  my  raptur'd  soul  ascends, 
On  heav'nly  contemplation's  soaring  wing, 
To  thee,  the  sacred  source  of  all  perfection. 


HAPPINESS. 

I. 

O  HApriNESS,  by  all  admir'd,  pursu'd, 
How  oft  defin'd,  how  seldom  understood, 
And  always  at  a  painful  distance  view'd  i 

II. 
Thy  charms,  alluring,  in  fair  prospect  rise  ; 
They  court  our  eager  arms  and  longing  eyes, 
And  prompt  our  fond  desires  and  restless  sighs 

III. 
If  thou  art  but  a  dream,  an  empty  name, 
Then  why  this  active  pow'r,  this  quenchless  fiamej 
By  heav'n  implanted  in  the  human  frame  ? 

IV. 
The  great  Creator,  just,  and  good,  and  wise, 
The  wants  of  all  his  creatures  well  supplies, 
Nor  blessings  to  the  lowest  rank  denies. 

V. 
Shall  man,  alone,  unsatisfy'd  remain  ? 
And  doom'd  to  ceaseless  unavailing  pain, 
Must  all  his  ardent  wishes  rise  in  vain  ? 


184  OCCASIONAL    POEMS. 

VI. 

No,  there  is  nobler  bliss  for  man  design'd, 
A  happiness  of  an  immortal  kind, 
Wide  as  his  wishes,  ample  as  his  mind. 

VII. 
Earth  never  can  bestow  the  sov'reign  good  ; 
The  sacred  word,  unerring,  points  the  road, 
To  happiness,  to  glory,  and  to  God. 

VIII. 
But  foolish  mortals  oft  mistake  the  way, 
In  search  of  bliss  on  earth,  we  anxious  stray, 
And  take  a  meteor  for  the  lamp  of  day. 

IX. 
Phantoms  of  pleasure  rise,  and  smiling  fair, 
They  tempt  our  feet  through  labyrinths  of  care,. 
Till  catching  at  the  prize  we  grasp  the  air. 

X. 
Almighty  goodness,  call  our  hearts  and  eyes 
From  these  deluding,  tempting  vanities, 
And  upward  bid  our  ardent  wishes  rise. 

XL 
O  bid  each  fatal,  fair  illusion  flee, 
Mark  out  our  path  from  ev'ry  error  free, 
And  let  us  seek  for  bliss,  alone,  in  thee. 


OCCASIONAL    POEMS.  185 


PRIDE   AND  HUMILITY 

]\1auk,  how  the  stately  tree  disdainful  rears 
His  tow'ring  head,  and  mingles  with  the  clouds ; 
But  by  his  fatal  height,  the  more  expos'd 
To  all  the  fury  of  the  raging  storm  : 
His  honours  fly,  the  sport  of  angry  winds  ; 
Till  the  loud  blast  with  direful  stroke  descends  : 
Torn  from  his  basis,  low  on  earth  he  lies, 
And  the  hills  echo  to  the  sounding  fall. 
So  pride,  with  haughty  port,  defies  in  vain. 
The  force  of  rough  adversity,  which  rends 
With  double  violence  the  stubborn  heart. 

But,  like  a  tender  plant,  humility 
Bends  low  before  the  threat'ning  blast  unhurt, 
Eludes  its  rage,  and  lives  through  all  the  storm. 

Pride  is  the  liv'ry  of  the  prince  of  darkness, 
Worn  by  his  slaves,  who  glory  in  their  shame  ; 
A  gaudy  dress,  but  tarnish'd,  rent  and  foul, 
And  loathsome  to  the  holy  eye  of  heav'n. 

But  sweet  humility,  a  shining  robe, 
Bestow'd  by  heav'n  upon  its  fav'rite  sons  : 
The  robe  which  God  approves,  and  angels  wear 
Fair  semblance  of  the  glorious  Prince  of  light, 
Who  stoop'd  to  dwell  (divine  humility  !) 
With  sinful  worms,  and  poverty,  and  scorn. 

Pride  is  the  source  of  discord,  strife,  and  war. 
And  all  the  endless  train  of  heavy  woes, 

as 


186  OCCASIONAL    POEMS. 

Which  wait  on  wretched  man  ;  the  direful  sting 
Of  envy,  and  the  dreaded  frowns  of  scorn, 
And  gloomy  discontent,  and  black  despair. 
But  sweet  humility,  the  source  of  peace, 
Of  amity  and  love,  content  and  joy  ; 
Where  she  resides,  a  thousand  blessings  wait, 
To  gild  our  lives,  and  form  a  heav'n  below. 

Pride  leads  her  wretched  vot'ries  to  contempt, 
To  certain  ruin,  infamy,  and  death. 

But  sweet  humility  points  out  the  way 
To  happiness,  and  life,  and  lasting  honours. 

Humility  how  glorious  !  how  divine  ! 
Thus  cloath'd,  and  thus  enrich'd,  O  may  I  shine, 
Be  mine  this  treasure,  this  celestial  robe, 
And  let  the  sons  of  pride  possess  the  globe. 


IMITATION     OF    MR.     POPE'S     ODE     ON 
SOLITUDE. 

I. 

Xs  there  on  earth  a  solitude 

Which  anxious  care  can  ne'er  invade  ; 
Where  pains  nor  sorrows  e'er  intrude  ? 
A  hallow'd  shade  ? 
II. 
Where  peace  extends  her  halcyon  wing, 

To  guard  and  bless  the  soft  retreat  ; 
Content  sweet  breathes  eternal  Spring 
Around  her  seat  ? 


OCCASIONAL    TOEMS.  187 

III. 

Some  gentle  spirit  aid  my  flight 

To  this  delightful,  blissful  spot, 
From  human  converse,  human  sight  ; 
Blest,  and  forgot. 
IV. 
Illusive  dream  !  it  fleets  in  air  ! 
No  paradise  is  found  below, 
No  solitude  secludes  from  care, 
Or  shuts  out  woe. 
V. 
Happy  the  man,  and  he  alone, 

To  whom  the  easy  lot  is  giv'n, 
Cheerful  to  wait,  and  thankful  own 
The  hand  of  heav'n. 
VI. 
Then  solitude,  or  social  joy, 

Can  please,  yet  not  engage  his  heart  ; 
Nor  sorrow,  pain,  nor  care  annoy 
His  nobler  part. 

VII. 
His  wish,  his  hope,  his  soul  aspires 

To  a  fair  paradise  above  ; 
Yet  patient  waits,  till  heav'n  requires 
His  blest  remove. 
VIII. 
Thus  may  my  hopes  and  wishes  rise, 

Be  mine  serenity  like  this, 
Till  death's  kind  sleep  shall  close  my  eyes  ; 
Then  wake  to  bliss. 


188  OCCASIONAL    POEMS. 


ON  FRIENDSHIP. 


How  fondly  those  mistake  who  seek  for  joys 

In  crowds,  and  mirth,  and  never  ceasing  noise  : 

Their  mirth,  how  empty  !  and  their  joys,  how  vain  } 

Reflection  ever  flies  the  laughing  train. 

Stunn'd  with  the  din,  thought  sickens  ;  and  the  mind 

No  true  delight,  no  taste  of  bliss  can  find. 

Alike  they  err,  who  leave  the  world  to  dwell 
With  gloomy  sadness  in  a  lonely  cell  : 
Heavy  and  dull,  the  joyless  hours  move  on, 
To  all  the  sweets  of  social  life  unknown. 

If  pleasure  smiles  sincere  below  the  skies, 
That  pleasure  must  from  sacred  friendship  rise  ; 
Of  all  which  animates  the  human  frame, 
The  noblest  ardour,  and  the  purest  flame  : 
Offspring  of  heav'n  ! — there  friendship  all  refin'd, 
Immortal  glows  in  each  seraphic  mind  : 
Mix'd  with  the  streams  of  bliss  forever  flows, 
Nor  change,  decay,  nor  interruption  knows  : 
A  glorious  native  of  the  realms  of  love, 
And  only,  in  perfection,  known  above  : 
Yet  is  the  blessing,  by  indulgent  heav'n, 
Though  in  a  less  degree,  to  mortals  giv'n  : 


OCCASIONAL    l'UK.Mi.  189 

Its  pleasing  pow'r  by  providence  design'd 
To  soften  human  cares,  and  mend  the  mind  ; 
To  calm  our  passions  by  its  gentle  sway, 
And  bid  them  reason's  sacred  laws  obey. 
Friendship  can  often  o'er  the  heart  prevail, 
When  philosophic  rules  and  maxims  fail  : 
It  turns  to  mutual  tenderness  the  thought, 
And  views  with  kind  indulgence  ev'ry  fault. 
And  where  corrosives  ought  to  be  apply'd, 
The  gentle  hand  soft  love  and  pity  guide  : 
While  each  can  bear  reproof,  and  each  reprove, 
(All  proud  resentment  lost  in  grateful  love,) 
Point  out  each  fault,  and  blame  yet  not  offend, 
And  free  from  nauseous  flatt'ry,  can  commend, 
To  merit  its  proportion'd  honours  raise  ; 
Alike  exact  the  censure  and  the  praise. 

Friendship  communicates  our  joys  and  pains, 
And  in  each  breast  rejoices,  or  complains  ; 
Divides  our  weight  of  woe,  relieves  our  cares, 
And  ev'ry  pleasure  heightens,  as  it  shares. 

While  sacred  virtue  lights  the  holy  fire, 
By  time  uninjur'd,  it  will  ne'er  expire  : 
No  force  of  rough  adversity  can  part, 
Can  tear  the  gen'rous  passion  from  the  heart. 

O  friendship,  what  sincere  delights  are  thine  ! 
Fair  miniature  of  happiness  divine  ; 
Propitious,  pleasing,  heav'n-descended  guest, 
Who  only  with  the  virtuous  few  canst  rest  : 


190  OCCASIONAL    POEMS. 

May  thy  kind  influence  smooth  ray  path  of  life, 
Still  calm  and  peaceful,  free  from  noisy  strife, 
Be  virtue,  sweet  content,  and  friendship  mine, 
I  at  my  humble  lot  shall  ne'er  repine. 
From  these  alone  more  real  pleasures  flow, 
Than  the  gay  round  of  mirth  or  gaudy  show, 
Or  all  the  charms  of  greatness  can  bestow. 


ON   THE   SAME. 

X  rue  friendship  is  the  noblest  earthly  gift 
Which  heav'n  on  man  bestows  ;  the  cordial  drop3 
That  mingling  with  the  bitter  cup  of  woe, 
Gives  a  kind  tincture  to  the  deadly  draught. 
Not  mines  afford  a  gem  of  equal  worth  ; 
But  ah,  how  rarely  found  !  amid  the  crowd 
Though  glitt'ring  counterfeits  may  oft  appear,. 
And  many  a  phantom  borrow  friendship's  name. 

Smooth  complaisance,  and  well-dissembled  kindness. 
And  flatt'ry,  hid  beneath  the  specious  mask 
Of  humble  admiration  and  esteem, 
Are  often  seen  ;  they  wear  a  fair  appearance, 
And  dress'd  in  friendship's  garb  may  please  a  while  ; 
But  cheat  th'  unwary  heart,  that  trusts  too  far 
Their  seeming  innocence,  and  honest  face. 
Self-interest  is  the  secret  spring  that  guides  them  ; 
This  stopp'd,  or  broken,  the  machine  stands  still, 
Or  falls,  and  shivers  into  worthless  fragments. 


OCCASIONAL    POEMS.  191 

Happy  the  mind  of  nobler  texture  fram'd, 
Sincere,  benevolent,  above  disguise, 
Dress'd  in  the  plain  unborrow'd  robe  of  truth. 
These  virtues  make  her  fav'rite  residence  ; 
With  virtue  only,  real  friendship  dwells, 
And  friendship  loves  for  virtue's  sake  alone. 

While  the  frail  scenes  of  momentary  life 
Bound  the  low  narrow  view  of  vulgar  minds, 
Ambition,  envy,  pride,  and  restless  rage 
Emit  their  baleful  sparks  ;  but  soon,  ah  !  soon, 
The  blaze  expires,  and  all  is  dark  forever. 

But  friendship,  kindled  by  fair  piety, 
(And  thus  she  claims  relation  to  the  skies,) 
Sheds  her  kind  lustre  o'er  the  path  of  life, 
And  guides  the  feet  through  many  a  thorny  brake 
Unhurt  :  she  points  with  upward  aim  to  heaven  ; 
To  heaven,  from  whence  the  sacred  ardour  came, 
And  guardian  angels  own  the  kindred  flame. 


ODE   TO   CONTENT, 

I. 

I^ome,  charming  guest,  divine  Content, 

And  chase  my  cares  away  ; 
The  sweetest  bliss  to  mortals  lent, 

Is  thy  kind  healing  ray. 


192  OCCASIONAL    POEMb. 

II. 

Thy  presence  smooths  the  face  of  woe, 

And  softens  ev'ry  pain  ; 
From  thee  a  thousand  pleasures  flow, 

A  guiltless,  lovely  train. 

III. 
Humility  thy  steps  attends  ; 

Her  sweetly  pensive  eyes 
To  earth  in  peaceful  thought  she  bends, 

Without  a  wish  to  rise. 

IV. 
With  cheerful  air  and  look  sedate, 

See  gentle  Patience  nigh, 
And  Hope,  fair  sister,  smiling  wait, 

With  heav'n-erected  eye  -: 
V. 
While  Faith,  (kind  seraph  !)  points  her  view 

Beyond  the  starry  plain, 
To  the  bright  worlds  where,  ever  new, 

Immortal  pleasures  reign. 
VI. 
Thy  comforts,  O  divine  Content, 

From  those  fair  regions  flow  ; 
For  bliss  sincere  was  never  meant 

On  earth's  low  soil  to  grow. 
VII. 
In  cold  affliction's  dreary  shade, 

Fresh-blooming  joys  are  thine  ! 
Can  wintry  storms  the  heart  invade 

When  vernal  sun -beams  shine  ? 


OCCASIONAL    POEMS.  193 


VIII. 

Come  then,  thou  dear  delightful  guest. 

Thy  lov'd  companions  bring  ; 
Come,  take  possession  of  my  breast, 

And  winter  shall  be  spring. 


ON  REASON. 

Iveason',  the  glory  of  the  human  frame, 
Eye  of  the  mind,  the  stamp  of  heav'n  impressed 
On  man  alone,  of  all  the  various  ranks 
Of  being,  which  the  great  Creator  form'd, 
To  people  numberless  this  earthly  globe, 
To  man  alone  he  gave  this  ray  divine, 
This  emanation  of  the  deity  : 
A  gift  of  countless  value  !  rais'd  by  this 
Above  his  fellow  worms,  and  taught  to  view 
His  maker's  hand  in  all  his  wonderous  works  ; 
To  trace  his  glories,  his  divine  perfections, 
And  worship  with  accepted  adoration  : 
Fitted  by  this  for  converse  with  his  God. 
Amazing  thought !  the  distance,  how  immense, 
Betwixt  infinity,  and  humble  clay  ! 

Yet,  thus  exalted,  man,  ungrateful  man 
Rebell?d,  and  spurn'd  his  Maker's  righteous  law  ; 
And,  in  his  just  resentment,  God  withdrew 
His  blissful  presence  from  his  wretched  offspring. 
Then  reason,  heav'nly  flame,  with  faded  lustre 
Glow'd  faintly,  its  primaeval  brightness  gone, 

R  VOL.    I. 


194  OCCASIONAL    rOEMS, 

Sullied  and  clouded  with  surrounding  guilt  ; 
And,  feebly  glimm'ring  with  uncertain  light, 
No  more  it  mounts  sublime,  to  earth  confin'd. 
Weak,  erring  guide,  no  more  it  points  the  way 
To  happiness,  but  leaves  the  mind  bewilder'd, 
And  lost  in  paths  of  danger,  guilt,  and  death. 

But  light  divine  breaks  from  the  sacred  word, 
And  cheers  the  darksome  gloom  ;    while  heav'n-born 
The  dawning  glory  views,  and  soars  aloft.  [faith 

Borne  on  her  wings,  Hope  cheerful  smiles  ;  and  lo 
The  clouds  disperse,  the  prospect  brightens  round  ; 
A  glimpse  of  heav'n  appears,  of  bliss  immortal 
Reserv'd  for  mortal  man  ;  and  joys  unknown, 
Blest  fruit  of  the  Redeemer's  dying  pains, 
Pardon,  and  peace,  and  life,  laid  up  in  him 
For  guilty  rebels  !     ReconciPd  through  him, 
With  his  bright  presence  God  revisits  earth  ! 
Transporting  view  !  lost  happiness  restor'd  ! 

Weak-sighted  reason  upward  rises  too, 
Thus  aided,  and  pursues  the  shining  tract 
With  cheerful  wing,  though  slow  ;  and  glad  adores 
The  dazzling  glories,  which  she  cannot  reach 
With  steady  light  :  yet  with  delightful  toil 
By  gradual  steps  ascends,  and  joyful  sees 
The  bright  perfections  of  the  Deity, 
In  humbler  scenes  display'd,  where'er  she  turns 
Her  raptur'd  eye  ;  and  blest  employment  finds 
For  never-ceasing  praise  and  grateful  homage. 

Rekindled  now  from  heav'n,  her  dying  lamp 
Clows  with  increasing  lustre  :  Grace  assisting. 


OCCASIONAL    POEMS. 

Her  empire  o'er  the  mind  she  now  resumes  ; 
:L:  gentle  «way  the  warring  passions  own  ; 
Her  voice  their  wilder  tumults  can  eontroul, 
\nd  tune  them  all  to  harmony  and  peace. 

Nor  is  her  pow'r  to  single  minds  confin'd  ; 
Senates  and  nations  own  her  sov'reign  rule, 
And  boast  their  different  governments  and  laws 
Inspir'd  by  her,  and  founded  on  her  dictates. 
The  bliss  of  civil  and  of  social  life 
Depends  on  her  ;  without  her  all  would  sink 
To  discord,  anarchy,  and  wild  confusion. 
Each  individual,  through  the  various  ranks, 
Whether  of  public  or  of  private  life, 
To  her  his  safety,  peace  and  pleasure  owTes. 
Her  influence  soothes  the  cares  of  life,  and  shews 
The  use  and  value  of  its  num'rous  blessings. 

Robb'd  of  her  cheering  light,  what  woes  attend 
On  helpless  wretched  man  !  self-preservation. 
By  gracious  heav'n  implanted  in  his  frame, 
Oft  in  the  hand  of  providence  a  guard 
Amid  surrounding  dangers,  then  forsakes  him. 

Were  reason's  beam  withdrawn,  life  would  be  death. 
Existence  a  mere  blank  ; — the  sweets  of  life 
Be  tasteless,  and  its  blessings  unenjoy'd  ; 
Fame,  pleasure,  riches,  useless  all,  and  vain  ; 
And  health  and  friends,  (dearest  of  comforts  !)  sink 
O'erwhelm'd  in  dark  oblivion  :  dreadful  state  , 
Recoiling  nature  trembles  at  the  thought  ! 


196  OCCASIONAL    POEMS. 

O  may  my  soui  with  gratitude  sincere, 
And  constant  praise,  adore  the  God  of  mercy, 
Who  gives  this  blessing  still  to  shine  on  me. 
Lord,  raise  my  gratitude,  and  tune  my  praise 
To  thy  almighty  goodness,  which  bestows 
On  me  this  gift  of  reason,  and  continues 
Its  cheering  ray  ;  and  may  thy  pow'rful  grace 
Assist  me,  O  my  God,  still  to  devote 
Reason,  and  life,  and  all  my  pow'rs  to  thee, 
Till  this  frail  transient  scene  shall  close  in  death, 
Then  may  I  rise,  by  angel-guards  convoy'd, 
To  the  bright  mansions  of  eternal  bliss. 
There  nobler  praise,  and  worship  all  refin'd, 
Unnumber'd  hearts,  unnumber'd  tongues  employ; 
And  joys  unknown  to  mortals. — Reason  there 
Shall  shine  with  perfect  and  unclouded  lustre  j 
And  all  my  pow'rs,  exalted  and  renew'd, 
Glow  with  immortal  vigour. — There  my  voice? 
Tun'd  to  the  strains  of  paradise,  shall  join 
With  saints  and  seraphs,  in  transporting  songs 
To  thee,  the  source  of  everlasting  joy. 


ON    READING     MR.    HERVEY'S    MED1TA 
TIONS. 

-Happy  the  man,  whom  grace  divine  has  taught 
To  raise  to  nobler  scenes  the  flying  thought  ; 
Beyond  the  bounds  of  sense  and  time  to  soar, 
And  awful  immortality  explore. 
Amid  the  chill  of  death's  tremendous  gloom, 


OCCASIONAL    I'OEMS.  197 

And  all  the  dreary  horrors  of  the  tomb, 
lie  walks  serene — 'tis  heav'n  with  sacred  ray- 
Darts  through  the  sable  shade  a  glimpse  of  day  ; 
Faith  views  the  dawning  bliss  with  raptur'd  eye, 
And  bears  his  thoughts  and  hopes  above  the  sky. 

Yet,  o'er  the  ruins  of  mankind  he  weeps, 
O'er  mortal  hope  which  here  in  silence  sleeps. ; 
But  from  the  pitying  tear,  the  pious  woe, 
Celestial  truths  with  soft  persuasion  flow. 
He  from  these  silent  teachers  bids  us  learn 
Our  certain  fate,  our  infinite  concern. 
To  realms  of  life  he  points  the  radiant  way, 
Where  death  resigns  his  universal  sway  ; 
And  this  frail,  dying  frame,  renew'd,  shall  shine, 
Safe  from  decay  in  splendors  all  divine. 

Thus  Hervey  mourns  ;  his  kind  instructive  page, 
Full  of  compassion  for  a  thoughtless  age, 
In  all  the  charms  of  eloquence  appears, 
And  wakes  our  pleasure,  while  it  steals  our  tears. 

Now  rising  from  the  dark  retreats  of  death, 
Soft  as  the  morning  Zephyr's  gentle  breath, 
His  language  flows,  and  cheers  our  fainting  pow'rs 
With  all  the  sweetness  of  the  op'ning  flow'rs  ; 
Displays  the  beauties  of  the  blooming  race  : 
Their  various  beauties,  though  with  matchless  grace 
They  scorn  the  pencil's  art5  yet  flourish  here, 
In  bright  description  all  their  charms  appear  ; 
i "harms,  which  the  heedless,  unobserving  eye, 


198  OCCASIONAL    POEMS. 

Or  slightly  views,  or  wholly  passes  by  : 

But  to  the  heav'n-taught  mind,  how  bright  they  shine, 

Mark'd  with  the  traces  of  the  hand  divine  ! 

Their  sweets  collected  with  engaging  art, 

At  once  regale  the  sense,  and  cheer  the  heart. 

While  all  our  pow'rs  obey  the  soft  control, 
To  beauty's  source  he  leads  th'  enraptur'd  soul  ; 
To  Jesus  leads,  the  everlasting  Fair  : 
In  the  dear  name  ten  thousand  charms  appear  ; 
Beneath  the  heav'nly  radiance  of  his  eye, 
Created  beauties  droop,  and  fade,  and  die. 

Thou  Sun  of  righteousness,  thy  beams  impart, 
And  bless  my  eyes,  and  warm  my  languid  heart  ; 
O  let  me  dwell  beneath  thy  light  divine, 
And  nature's  charms  contented  I  resign. 

But  oh  !  what  mortal  eye  can  bear  the  ray, 
When  thy  full  glories  beam  etherial  day  ? 
The  brightest  seraphs,  veil'd  before  thy  throne, 
Adoring  low,  the  dazzling  splendors  own 
Too  strong  for  finite  natures  to  sustain, 
Thy  praise  too  lofty  for  their  noblest  strain. 

Come,  gentle  ev'ning,  cheer  my  fainting  sense, 
Pain'd  and  oppress'd  with  glories  too  intense. 
The  ev'ning  comes — all  mild,  and  sweet,  and  fair  ; 
The  dusk  how  grateful !  how  serene  the  air  ?— 
Yet  still  my  soul  would  see  her  Saviour  God, 
The  living  source  of  all  that's  fair  and  good  ; 


OCCASIONAL    POEMS.  199 

I  lis  beauties,  though  at  humble  distance,  view 

And  trace  him  in  the  scenes  his  pencil  drew. 

J  lis  bright  perfections  round  me  are  display'd, 

The  morn,  the  noon,  the  grateful  ev'ning  shade, 

Present  his  different  glories  to  the  sight, 

Or  strike  with  wonder,  or  inspire  delight. 

His  pow'r  and  love,  in  plenty's  smiling  form, 

O'er  the  wide  fields  each  grateful  bosom  warm. 

From  him,  the  gentle  ev'ning-breezes  spring, 

And  waft  refreshment  on  their  balmy  wing. 

His  beauty  glitters  in  the  pearly  dew, 

And  smiles  amid  the  bright  etherial  blue 

Which  paints  yon  spacious  arch  ;  and  charms  our  eyes 

In  clouds  of  gold,  which  streak  the  western  skies. 

And  now  the  shining  lamps  of  heav'n  advance, 

Rang'd  in  bright  order  o'er  the  fair  expanse  ; 

Like  lamps  they  sparkle  on  th'  unaided  sight ; 

But  nearer  view'd  in  philosophic  light, 

Prodigious  orbs,  unnumber'd  worlds  arise  ! 

New  scenes  of  wonder  meet  our  gazing  eyes  ! 

Jesus,  thy  glory  beaming  from  afar, 
Great  source  of  light,  illumines  ev'ry  star. 
Thy  word  inform'd  the  planets  where  to  roll, 
And  station'd  ev'ry  orb  that  gilds  the  pole. 
To  thee,  'midst  all  the  glories  of  the  skies, 
To  thee  alone  I  raise  my  longing  eyes  : 
u  Bright  morning  star,  arise  with  healing  ray, 
"  Arise,  and  chase  t  he  shades  of  night  away, 
*'  Sweet  harbinger  of  everlasting  clay." 


200  OCCASIONAL    POEMS. 


A    SIMILE. 


Oft  have  I  view'd  the  flow'rs  while  bright  and  gay, 
They  gave  their  beauties  to  the  noon-tide  ray. 
But  short,  alas  !  their  bloom,  and  soon  they  fade, 
Unbless'd  with  cooling  show'rs,  or  friendly  shade. 
See  the  clouds  blacken,  heavy  show'rs  descend, 
The  weak,  soft  race  o'erladen,  droop  and  bend, 
Recline  their  languid  heads,  and  seem  to  mourn, 
Till  the  storm  cease,  and  sunny  beams  return  : 
Then  smiling,  rise  more  lovely,  bright  and  fair, 
And  with  new  sweets  perfume  the  ambient  air. 

Thus,  to  the  soul  affliction  oft  supplies 
New  life,  and  bids  declining  virtue  rise. 
The  storm,  which  seem'd  a  while  t'  oppress,  revives 
Each  fading  grace,  and  strength  and  beauty  gives. 
Their  drooping  pow'rs,  by  heavVs  kind  influence  fed, 
A  fairer  bloom,  and  sweeter  fragrance  spread. 
Prest  with  affliction,  let  me  then  conclude, 
That  storms  and  sunshine,  (kind  vicissitude  !) 
Are  mingled  blessings,  meant  to  work  my  good 


OCCASIONAL    POEMS.  20* 


A   MEDITATION  ON   DEATH. 

I^ome,  bid  adieu,  my  soul,  to  earthly  pleasures.- 
Illusive  phantoms  !  distant  how  they  smile, 
Fair  as  the  colours  of  the  radiant  bow  ! 
But  nearer  fade  upon  the  cheated  eye, 
Lose  all  their  lustre,  or  dissolve  in  air. 
Ah,  think  how  soon  these  dreams  will  flit  away  ; 
How  soon  these  gaily-tempting  forms  will  sink 
In  death's  eternal  shade — Death  onward  comes 
With  hasty  step,  though  unperceiv'd  and  silent. 
Perhaps  (alarming  thought  !)  perhaps  he  aims 
E'en  now  the  fatal  blow  that  ends  my  life. 
O  let  me  then,  arous'd,  reflect  in  time, 
And  make  this  awful,  this  important  theme 
Familiar  to  my  thoughts  1    Awake,  my  soul, 
Nor,  careless,  slumber  on  the  brink  of  fate. 
With  constant  warnings,  with  loud  admonitions, 
Can  I  be  unconcern'd  ?    At  length  my  eyes, 
Long  held  in  mists,  or  cheated  with  false  visions, 
Begin  to  open  on  the  awful  scene. 
Let  idle-active  fancy,  now  no  more 
Spread  her  gay,  fiatt'ring  colours  to  my  view  ; 
But  aid  my  better  thoughts,  and  represent 
Important  truths  in  all  their  striking  forms. 

Behold  the  gaping  tomb  !  it  seems  to  speak, 
With  silent  horror,  to  my  shiv'ring  heart  ; 


202  OCCASIONAL    POEMS. 

Bids  me  survey  my  swift  approaching  doom, 

And  view  the  dark  retreat  which  waits  my  coming. 

O  death,  thou  king  of  terrors  !  dreadful  name  ! 
What  tongue   can  e'er   describe,   what   thought   can 

image 
The  scenes  of  horror  that  surround  thy  throne  ? 
From  thy  wide-wasting  hand,  what  vast  destruction 
Is  pour'd  on  all  the  tribes  of  wretched  mortals  ? 
Behold,  on  ev'ry  side  the  scatter'd  bones 
Pave  all  the  dreary  mansion,  and  impart 
Chill  melancholy  to  the  sinking  spirits, 
While  all  aghast  I  stand,  and  fix  mine  eyes 
On  the  dire  prospect  !  O  thou  gloomy  Monarch, 
Are  these  the  trophies  of  thy  conqu'ring  arms  r 

Nor  rev'rend  hoary  age,  nor  blooming  youth, 
Nor  boasted  strength  escape  thy  fatal  dart. 
Not  the  persuasive  pow'r  of  beauty's  charms, 
Nor  the  soft  moving  tears  of  innocence 
Can  stay  thy  hand  :  nor  can  the  miser's  gold, 
Nor  all  the  treasures  of  the  eastern  shore 
Buy  one  short  moment  of  relentless  death. 

Not  ev'n  the  good  man's  virtues  ought  avail 
To  ward  the  direful  stroke  ;  nor  all  the  pray'rs 
And  ardent  wishes  of  the  grateful  poor, 
Fed  from  his  table,  and  who  daily  knew 
The  blessings  of  his  charitable  hand. 
See,  his  sad  relatives,  his  mournful  friends 
Around  his  dying  bed  !  what  silent  sorrow 


OCCASIONAL    POEMS.  200 

Sits  on  each  visage,  while  their  streaming  eyes 
And  wringing  hands  confess  their  inward  anguish  ! 
AY  ho  can  describe  th' unutterable  woe 
Which  fills  their  hearts,  to  see  a  father,  brother, 
A  friend,  in  whom  their  all  of  earthly  bliss 
Was  center'd,  gasping  on  the  verge  of  life  ? 
And  ev'n  the  sad  remains  of  hope  are  lost. 
His  ev'ry  dying  groan  augments  their  tears, 
And  the  cold  sweats  declare  his  exit  nigh  ; 
Till  the  last  breath  consigns  them  to  despair. 
Heart-rending  pain  !  Inexorable  death  ! 

Then,  O  my  soul,  since  this  deluding  world, 
With  all  her  boasted  stores,  has  nought  to  give 
That  can  procure  an  hour's,  a  moment's  pause, 
When  death  commission'd  aims  the  parting  stroke  ; 
Nor  this  weak  frame,  this  mortal  tenement 
Of  feeble  texture,  long  sustain  th'  assault 
Of  his  attendants,  sickness,  pain,  and  sorrow  ; 
Seek,  timely  seek,  while  mercy  points  the  way, 
A  firm,  clear  title  to  those  blest  abodes, 
Prepar'd  on  high,  unconscious  of  decay  : 
That  when  this  totaling  frame,  (not  built  to  last,) 
Frail  house  of  clay,  which  shakes  with  ev'ry  wind, 
Dissolves,  and  falls  a  heap  of  dust  and  ruin  ; 
In  realms  of  light  I  may  forever  dwell, 
In  mansions  never  form'd  by  mortal  hands, 
Beyond  the  reach  of  sorrow,  pain,  or  death. 

O  may  my  name  but  find  some  humble  placr 
In  the  bright  records  of  the  court  of  heav'n, 


204  OCCASIONAL    POEMS. 

Sign'd  with  th'  atoning  blood  of  my  Redeemer  1 
May  his  almighty  love  cheer  my  last  hours, 
Shew  me  my  sins  all  cancell'd  by  his  death, 
And  smiling  open  endless  joy  before  me  ! 
Then  shall  I  triumph  o'er  my  mortal  foe, 
And  with  exulting,  heav'nly  transport  say, 
O  death,  where  is  thy  sting  ?  and  where,  O  grave, 
Insatiate  grave,  is  thy  victorious  pow'r  ? 
Then  shall  my  last  expiring  accents  breathe 
His  blissful  name,  who,  dying,  vanquish'd  death. 
And  purchas'd  life,  immortal  life,  for  me — 
Jesus,  my  Lord,  my  Saviour,  and  my  all  ! 


TO  DELIA. 
I. 

JL  he  gifts  indulgent  heav'n  bestows, 

Are  variously  convey 'd  ; 
The  human  mind,  like  nature,  knows 

Alternate  light  and  shade. 
II. 
While  changing  aspects  all  things  wear, 

Can  we  expect  to  find 
Unclouded  sunshine  all  the  year, 

Or  constant  peace  of  mind  ? 
III. 
More  gaily  smiles  the  blooming  spring, 

When  wintry  storms  are  o'er  ; 
Retreating  sorrows  thus  may  bring 

Delights  unknown  before. 


OCCASIONAL    POEMS.  20f 

IV. 
Then,  Delia,  send  four  fears  away, 

Nor  sink  in  gloomy  care, 
Though  clouds  o'erspread  the  scene  to-day, 

To-morrow  may  be  fair. 


TO  AMIRA  ON  HER  MARRIAGE. 

W  hile  round  you  hourly  gratulations  rise, 
And  joy  and  happiness,  (gay  soothing  sounds) 
Salute  your  ear  ;  accept  the  artless  wish 
That  friendship  dictates,  breathing  from  the  heart. 

May  gracious  heav'n  the  happy  union  crown, 
Propitious  still  and  kind,  with  all  the  bliss 
Which  mortals  can  enjoy  ;  may  health,  and  peace, 
And  love,  and  friendship,  guide  the  circling  hours. 
Soft  roll  the  circling  hours,  serene  and  fair, 
Still  bright'ning  as  they  roll  :  may  true  content 
With  kindly  mixture  sweeten  ev'ry  care, 
Till  scarce  th'  unpleasing  tincture  can  be  found. 

But  earthly  bliss  is  ever  mix'd  with  pain, 
And  thorns  among  its  flow'ry  pleasures  grow. 
May  all  the  joys,  the  nobler,  purer  joys 
Religion  yields  be  yours  ;  to  fairer  scenes, 
And  brighter  prospects,  may  your  hopes  ascend  ; 
While  heav'n-born  faith  presents  a  charming   glimpse 
Of  that  immortal  paradise  on  high, 


206  OCCASIONAL    POEMS. 

Where  pleasure  blooms  without  a  thorny  care, 
And  friendship  smiles  beyond  the  reach  of  pain. 


THE  PLEASURES  OF  SPRING. 

J3J  ow  reigns  the  lovely  spring  in  all  her  pride, 
And  spreads  her  verdant  robe,  adorn'd  with  fiow'rs, 
Around  the  fields  and  meads  ;  they  cheerful  smile 
In  her  gay  livery  drest  ;  the  whisp'ring  winds 
Breathe  soft,  and  on  their  balmy  wings  convey 
Reviving  sweets  ;  the  feather'd  choir  awake 
Their  artless  songs,  and  all  th'  enchanting  scene 
Is  harmony  and  beauty  :  nature's  charms 
Subdue  the  heart,  and  ev'ry  sense  is  fill'd  ! 

But  while  the  eye  roves  o'er  the  blooming  mead 
With  careless  pleasure,  or  the  list'ning  ear 
Attends  the  soothing  musick  of  the  grove  ; 
Think,  whither  does  the  soft  enchantment  tend  *? 
Are  nature's  various  beauties  lent  for  this, 
Only  to  please  the  sense  ?    For  nobler  ends 
The  God  of  nature  gave  them.     Nature  spreads 
An  open  volume,  where  in  ev'ry  page 
We  read  the  wonders  of  almighty  pow'r  ! 
Infinite  wisdom,  and  unbounded  love. 
Here  sweet  instruction,  entertaining  truths 
Reward  the  searching  mind,  and  onward  lead 
Enquiring  thought  ;  new  beauties  still  unfold 
And  op'ning  wonders  rise  upon  the  view. 


OCCASIONAL    POEMS.  207 

The  mind,  rejoicing,  comments  as  she  reads  ; 
While  through  th'  inspiring  page,  conviction  glows, 
And  warms  to  praise  her  animated  pow'rs. 

I  low  great,  how  glorious,  is  the  sov'reign  hand, 
AVhich  forms  so  beauteous  ev'ry  plant  and  flow'r, 
And  on  the  vegetable  world  inscribes, 
In  lively  characters,  his  wond'rous  name  ? 
While  active  life  speaks  in  a  thousand  forms, 
Pow'r,  wisdom,  and  beneficence  divine, 
The  parts  of  nature  in  their  just  proportion, 
Uniting,  harmonizing,  blend  to  form 
One  perfect  system  ;  truth  and  beauty  smile, 
Inviting  contemplation  upward  still, 
From  step  to  step,  till  at  their  glorious  source 
Arriv'd,  the  soul  in  low  prostration  bends, 
Adoring,  with  submissive,  silent  awe, 
The  great  Unsearchable,  the  wond'rous  name, 
Which  creature  praise  can  never,  never  reach  I 


ON  THE   SICKNESS    OF  A  FRIEND. 

I. 

Shall  fond  expectance  lean  on  earthly  friends, 
Since  earthly  friends,  alas  !  are  born  to  die  ; 
And  disappointment  waits,  and  grief  attends 
The  best,  the  dearest  joys  below  the  sky  ? 


208  OCCASIONAL    POEMS. 

II. 

Why  will  this  wretched,  this  deluded  heart 
So  fast  to  earth's  uncertain  comforts  cleave  I 
'Tis  but  to  cherish  pain,  to  treasure  smart, 
And  teach  the  unavailing  sigh  to  heave. 

III. 
Great  source  of  good,  attend  my  plaintive  cries? 
My  weakness  with  indulgent  pity  see, 
And  teach  this  restless,  anxious  heart  to  rise, 
And  centre  all  its  hopes  and  joys  in  thee. 

IV. 
Then,  should  my  dearest  earthly  comforts  die, 
Should  ev'ry  friend  (distressing  thought !)  depart  5 
My  refuge,  my  unfailing  friend  on  high, 
Will  never,  never  leave  this  trembling  heart. 

V. 
Should  sorrow  like  a  whelming  deluge  roll, 
And  gloomy  death  appear  on  ev'ry  wave  ; 
Then  hope,  blest  anchor,  shall  sustain  my  souL 
And  faith  shall  rise  and  triumph  o'er  the  grave, 

VI. 
Then  shall  I  meet  my  much-lov'd  friends  above. 
Safe  landed  on  the  ever-peaceful  shore, 
The  blissful  regions  of  immortal  love, 
Where  happiness  and  friendship  part  no  more, 


OCCASIONAL    TOEMS.  209 


THE   FETTERED   MIND. 


I. 

A.H  !  why  should  this  immortal  mind, 
Enslav'd  by  sense,  be  thus  confin'd, 

And  never,  never  rise  ? 
Why  thus  amus'd  with  empty  toys, 
And  sooth'd  with  visionary  joys, 

Forget  her  native  skies  ? 
II. 
The  mind  was  form'd  to  mount  sublime, 
Beyond  the  narrow  bounds  of  time, 

To  everlasting  things  ; 
But  earthly  vapours  cloud  her  sight, 
And  hang  with  cold  oppressive  weight 

Upon  her  drooping  wings. 
III. 
The  world  employs  its  various  snares, 
Of  hopes  and  pleasures,  pains  and  cares, 

And  chain'd  to  earth  I  lie  : 
When  shall  my  fetter'd  pow'rs  be  free, 
And  leave  these  .seats  of  vanity, 

And  upward  learn  to  fly. 
IV. 
Bright  scenes  of  bliss,  unclouded  skies, 
Invite  my  soul :  O  could  I  rise, 

Nor  leave  a  thought  below  j. 
S  2 


210  OCCASIONAL    POEMS. 

I'd  bid  farewel  to  anxious  care, 
And  say  to  ev'ry  tempting  snare, 

Heav'n  calls,  and  I  must  go. 
V. 
Heav'n  calls  !  and  can  I  yet  delay  ? 
Can  aught  on  earth  engage  my  stay  ? 

Ah  wretched,  ling'ring  heart ! 
Come,  Lord,  with  strength,  and  life,  and  light, 
Assist,  and  guide  my  upward  flight, 

And  bid  the  world  depart. 
VI. 
One  word  of  thy  resistless  pow'r 
Can  bid  my  joyful  spirit  soar, 

And  scorn  the  feeble  chain  : 
Come,  bear  my  raptur'd  thoughts  above, 
On  pinions  of  seraphic  love  ; 

And  earth  shall  tempt  in  vain. 
VII. 
In  vain,  her  syren  voice  may  try, 
To  lure  me  downward  from  the  sky, 

To  this  dark  vale  of  tears  ; 
How  will  her  transient  glories  fade, 
And  unregarded  sink  in  shade, 

When  heav'n's  bright  dawn  appears  ? 
VIII. 
So,  wand'ring  meteors  of  the  night, 
Amuse  the  weary  traveler's  sight, 

With  fair  deceitful  ray  ; 
But  all  their  glimm'ring  lustre  flies, 
And  ev'ry  gay  delusion  dies, 

When  Phoebus  wakes  the  day. 


OCCASIONAL    POEMS.  211 


TO   A  FRIEND   IN   TROUBLE. 

If  when  the  tender  sympathizing  sigh 
Swells  the  full  heart,  or  melts  the  pitying  eye, 
The  soft  compassion  could  convey  relief, 
This  heart  should  lessen,  while  it  shar'd  your  grief. 
Unchecked  the  sigh  should  rise,  the  sorrow  flow, 
And  pleasure  mingle  with  the  kindred  woe. 
But  this  is  vain,  'tis  not  in  nature's  pow'r 
To  cheer,  with  lightsome  rays,  the  gloomy  hour. 
The  soothing  voice  of  friendship  may  beguile 
Our  cares,  and  sorrow  wear  a  transient  smile. 
Poor  solace  ;  soon  the  spreading  gloom  returns, 
The  heart  that  fain  would  comfort,  only  mourns. 
Ah,  wretched  state  !  must  friendship  ever  share, 
Yet  never  hope  to  ease  the  load  of  care, 
Partake  the  anguish  of  infectious  grief, 
And  wish,  in  vain,  to  bring  a  kind  relief  ? 
Ah,  wretched  state  !  each  aching  heart  replies, 
Till  fainting,  dying,  hope  begins  to  rise  : 
Hope,  heav'n-born  comforter,  with  cheerful  air, 
Sheds  her  kind  lustre  o'er  the  scenes  of  care  ; 
Her  gentle  whisper  calms  the  rising  sigh, 
And  weeping  sorrow  lifts  her  tearful  eye  ; 
Nor  lifts  in  vain,  at  his  supreme  command, 
Who  holds  our  welfare  in  his  gracious  hand  : 
His  gracious  hand  alone  has  pow'r  to  heal, 
Who  pities,  while  he  deals  the  pains  we  feel. 


212  OCCASIONAL    POEMS. 

The  springs  of  life  are  his  ;  and  cares  and  pains 

Fulfil  whate'er  his  sacred  will  ordains. 

He  knows  what  most  we  need  :  when  skill  divine 

Presents  a  bitter  draught,  shall  we  repine  ? 

While  mercy  mingles  all  with  lenient  art, 

To  ease  the  anguish  of  the  throbbing  heart. 

The  steps  of  providence,  though  we  in  vain 

Attempt  to  trace,  while  clouds  o'erspread  the  scene  : 

Its  dealings  all  are  just,  and  wise,  and  kind  ; 

Our  lesson  this — «  Be  humble  and  resign'd  !" 

Through  wild  and  thorny  paths,  our  journey  lies, 

And  darkness  terrifies,  and  dangers  rise. 

O  may  our  heav'nly  Father's  guardian  care, 

Preserve  our  steps  from  ev'ry  fatal  snare  : 

Be  his  almighty  arm  our  guide,  our  stay, 

Through  all  the  toils  and  terrors  of  the  way. 

No  dangers  can  affright  if  God  is  near, 

A  present  God  can  banish  ev'ry  fear  ; 

His  gracious  smile  can  make  the  darkness  fly, 

Smooth  all  the  road,  and  brighten  all  the  sky. 

"  He  is  our  sun  :"  his  soul-reviving  light, 

Alone,  can  chase  the  horrors  of  the  night. 

£(  He  is  our  shield  :"  when  darts  fly  thick  around, 

They  fall  repell'd,  and  fix  no  deadly  wound. 

Our  God,  our  Guide  !  O  may  we  never  stray, 

But  trust  his  care,  and  keep  the  heav'nly  way  ; 

Till  safe  we  reach  the  happy  seats  of  peace, 

And  darkness,  grief,  and  pain,  and  danger  cease. 


OCCASIONAL    l'OKMS.  21 


THE    ABSENT    MUSE. 

I. 

How  soft  roll'd  the  hours,  how  serene  was  my  heart, 

When  the  Muse  my  companion,  and  friend, 
Unknown  to  ambition,  a  stranger  to  art, 

Deign'd  oft  on  my  call  to  attend  ! 
II. 
While  she  sooth'd  all  my  cares,  and  my  passions  to  rest, 

(Sweet  moments,  why  would  you  not  stay  !) 
Delighted  and  easy  I  thought  myself  blest, 

Nor  envy'd  the  great,  nor  the  gay. 
III. 
Ye  gentle  delusions  !  ye  dreams  of  delight  ! 

And  will  ye  approach  me  no  more  ? 
Shall  the  scene  be  a  desart,  o'ershaded  with  night, 

Which  was  sunshine  and  Eden  before  ? 
IV. 
Nojthe  pleasures  were  real,  though  soon  they  withdrew ; 

And  my  cares  I  will  call  a  long  dream, 
If  the  Muse  will  return,  and  present  to  my  view 

The  scenes  which  were  once  my  glad  theme. 
V. 
When  Urania  appears,  o'er  the  field  and  the  grave 

New  verdure  and  beauty  shall  rise  ; 
The  prospect  shall  brighten  wherever  I  rove, 

And  Eden  again  meet  my  eyes. 


214  OCCASIONAL    POEMS. 

VI. 

How  vain  the  dear  hope  ! — She  despises  the  lays 
Which  I  once  fondly  thought  she  inspir'd  ; 

Unfetter'd,  transported,  with  Hervey  she  strays, 
Applauded,  belov'd,  and  admir'd. 


THE    WASTE    OF    TIME. 

OCCASIONED    BY    HEARING    THESE    LINES    REPEATED  - 

"  Another,  and  another,  and  the  last, 
w  Are  copies  of  the  dull,  defective  past." 

A  he  dully  defective  /"    'tis  too  faint  a  name, 
For  vile  ingratitude,  for  guilt,  and  shame  ! — 
Such  is  my  conduct,  when  I  waste  away 
In  trifles,  or  in  indolence,  a  day. 
Each  future  minute  is  beyond  my  power  : 
Can  India's  mines  procure  a  single  hour  ? 
O  much-neglected  time,  thy  worth  how  high  ? 
Not  thy  least  particle,  the  world  can  buy. 
When  heaven  bestows  this  boon,  it  bids  employ, 
(O  blest  command  !)  in  seeking  endless  joy. 
And  shall  my  thoughtless  heart,  ungrateful,  waste 
The  present  hour,  as  I  have  done  the  past  ? 
Forbid  it,  gracious  God  !     O  let  my  soul 
Obey  reflection's  strict,  but  kind  control  ; 
And  humbly  bend  before  that  awful  eye, 
Which  marks  my  squander'd  minutes  as  they  fly  ; 


OCCASIONAL    rOEM;>.  215 

With  deep  contrition  bend,  and  ardent  pray- 
That  love  may  turn  his  angry  frown  away  : 
Indulgent  love,  through  that  atoning  blood. 
In  which  alone  I  can  approach  to  God. 

To  thee,  great  Advocate,  to  thee  I  fly, 
And  on  thy  righteousness  alone  rely. 
O  may  thy  spirit  cleanse  this  guilty  heart, 
My  pardon  seal,  and  strength  divine  impart  ; 
And  may  my  hours,  if  future  hours  are  lent, 
To  nobler,  higher  purposes  be  spent. 


THE  DEATH-WATCH. 

A.  death-watch  1  how  distinct  it  beats  ! — in  vain 
It  beats  to  me,  nor  brings  one  anxious  pain. 
Thou  gloomy  insect,  oft  inspiring  fear, 
Dreadful  to  superstition's  list'ning  ear  ; 
How  many  start  to  hear  thy  fancy 'd  knell, 
Dismal  and  solemn  as  a  passing  bell  ! 

And  why  must  harmless  insects  be  accus'd, 
When  daily,  hourly  warnings  are  refus'd  ? 
Each  day,  each  hour,  accosts  my  ear,  or  eye, 
Some  monitor,  which  bids  prepare  to  die. 

See  yonder  stalk  !   there  lately  grew  a  flow'r, 
'Tis  gone,  its  glowing  colours  are  no  more. 


216  OCCASIONAL    POEMS. 

That  bush,  where  roses  smil'd,  and  breath'd  perfume  ! 

How  sweet  their  fragrance,  and  how  gay  their  bloom  ! 

A  few  days  since  they  bloom'd,  now  dropt  and  lost  : 

Frail  mortal  life,  behold  how  vain  thy  boast  ! 

Hark,  near  my  side,  the  clock,  with  solemn  sound, 

Tells  me  how  life  pursues  his  constant  round  ! 

Life  on  the  wings  of  time  flies  swift  away  ; 

My  last  will  come,  and  this  may  be  the  day. 

Each  pain  I  feel,  and  every  plaintive  sigh, 

What  does  it  speak  ?    this  truth — "  I  soon  must  die/* 

Must  die  !     Is  this  a  melancholy  sound, 

When  endless  life  begins  its  blissful  round  ? 

Thy  poison'd  arrow,  Death,  wounds  not  the  heart, 

Which  in  the  Saviour's  blood  can  claim  a  part. 

May  this  blest  hope  (dear  solace  of  my  soul  !) 

With  heav'nly  comfort  all  my  fears  control. 

While  faith  points  upward  to  the  blest  abode 

Of  life  immortal,  and  my  Saviour  God, 

May  that  bright  world  its  radiant  dawn  impart, 

And  be  each  hour,  a  Death-watch  to  my  heart. 


THE    FRIEND. 

Jlj. e  is  a  friend,  who  scorns  the  little  sphere 

Of  narrow  self,  and  finds  a  joy  sincere 

To  see  another  blest  ;  whose  gen'rous  heart 

To  all  around  would  happiness  impart, 

If  happiness  were  his  :  whose  bosom  glows 

With  warmth  the  frozen  stoick  never  knows. 


OCCASIONAL    rOEMS.  217 

Divine  Benevolence  where  friendship  reigns, 

And  piety  the  sacred  flame  maintains. 

This  is  the  tie  inviolate,  which  binds 

In  mutual  friendship,  harmonizing  minds. 

A  friend,  thus  form'd,  is  form'd  to  give  delight, 

To  brighten  joy,  and  gild  affliction's  night : 

His  heart  exults  whene'er  his  friends  rejoice. 

And  ev'ry  pleasing  pow'r,  at  friendship's  voice, 

Awakes  to  life,  and  bids  the  transport  rise, 

In  grateful  adoration  to  the  skies. 

But  ah,  how  short  the  bright  untroubled  hour  ! 
Soon  clouds  arise,  and  storms  impending  low'r, 
And  oft  they  burst  upon  the  fainting  heart ; 
Then  friendship  shews  her  noblest,  kindest  art, 
Sustains  the  drooping  powers,  and  helps  to  bear 
The  well-divided  load  of  mutual  care. 
If  griefs  oppress,  or  threat'ning  woes  impend, 
Dear  solace  then,  to  find  a  real  friend  ! 
He  is  a  real  friend,  whose  passions  know 
The  anguish  of  communicated  woe  ; 
Who  feels  the  deep  distress  when  sorrow  mourns, 
And  from  his  inmost  heart  the  sigh  returns. 
The  kindred  sigh  conveys  a  strange  relief : 
How  cordial  is  society  in  grief ! 
Less  are  the  woes,  and  lighter  are  the  cares, 
Which  gentle,  sympathizing  friendship  shares. 
When  humbly  at  the  throne  of  grace  we  bend, 
And  ask  its  kindest  blessings  for  a  friend  ; 
When  for  a  friend  our  warmest  wishes  rise 
In  holy  breathings  to  the  pitying  skies  ; 


218  OCCASIONAL    POEMS. 

The  sacred  precept  warrants  those  desires, 

And  heav'n  will  sure  approve,  what  heav'n  inspires. 

O  may  I  make  my  friend's  distress  my  own, 
Nor  let  my  heart,  unhappy,  grieve  alone  : 
In  sorrow,  may  I  never  want  a  friend, 
Nor  when  the  wretched  mourn,  a  tear  to  lend. 


ON   CHILDREN'S   PLAY. 

I. 

Oft,  when  the  child  in  wanton  play- 
Exerts  his  little  pow'rs, 
And  busy,  trifling,  toils  away 

In  sports  the  circling  hours  : 
II. 
We  smile  to  see  his  infant  mind 

So  eager,  so  intent  ; 
But  growing  years  new  follies  find. 

As  much  on  trifles  bent. 
III. 
Youth  has  its  toys,  when  pleasure's  charms 

The  fond  pursuit  invite  : 
But  pleasure  mocks  th'  extended  arms  ; 

Vain  shadow  of  delight  ! 
IV. 
What  are  the  joys  of  riper  age  i 

By  time  is  folly  cur'd  ? 
No,  trifles  still  the  heart  engage, 

And  vanity  matur'd. 


OCCASIONAL    POEMS.  219 


V. 
If  glitt'ring  riches  tempt  the  eyes, 

An  envy'd,  valu'd  store  ; 
Thus  children  shells  and  counters  prize, 

And  hoard  and  wish  for  more. 
VI. 
Or  if  aspiring  fame  employ's 

The  eager,  gazing  train  ; 
The  paper-kite  of  sportive  boys 

Is  not  more  light  and  vain. 
VII. 
Unsatisfy'd,  and  tir'd  at  last. 

We  must  resign  our  breath, 
Life's  empty  cares  and  follies  past. 

And  ev'ning  close  in  death. 
VIII. 
Thus  children  "weary  of  their  play, 

With  fretfulness  oppress'd, 
Throw  all  their  little  toys  away, 

And  gently  sink  to  rest. 

IX. 
Happy  the  mind,  by  heaven  inspir'd 

To  scorn  earth's  empty  toys  ; 
And  with  divine  ambition  hVd, 

Pursue  sublimer  joys  ! 

X. 
Then,  when  the  cares  of  life  are  o'er, 

The  parting  soul  shall  rise, 
And  scenes  of  happiness  explore, 

Immortal  in  the  skies. 


220  OCCASIONAL    POEMS. 


THE  PATH   OF  LIFE. 

W  hat  is  this  world  with  all  its  gay  delights  ? 

A  gloomy  wilderness  of  wide  extent, 

Where  many  winding  paths  perplex  the  choice, 

And  lead  the  unwary  traveler's  feet  astray. 

Here  smiles  an  easy  smooth-descending  road, 

In  verdure  cloath'd,  and  spread  with  blooming  flow'rs 

The  scene  how  fair ! — but  ruin  waits  its  end. 

There  rugged  looks  the  path,  thick  set  with  thorns, 

Where  many  toil  their  weary  hours  away 

In  search  of  happiness  amid  the  dust. 

What  crouds  of  wretched,  erring  minds  I  se©, 

Still  disappointed,  yet  persisting  still, 

All  strangers  to  the  way  which  leads  to  rest  ! 

A  thousand  dangers,  and  a  thousand  snares 

Attend  their  steps ;  before  them  is  a  scene 

Of  various  grief  ;  a  labyrinth  of  woe  ; 

A  dark,  damp  vale  of  tears.     Though  now  and  then 

Prosperity's  gay  flatt'ring  sunshine  smiles, 

Its  brightest  day  is  short,  declining  fast, 

If  not  o'ercast  with  sable  clouds  at  noon. 

And  oft  its  brightest  day  more  fatal  proves 

Than  dark  adversity's  tempestuous  night. 

It  shines  with  sickly  ray,  and  spreads  around 

Malignant  ills  ;  malignant  to  the  mind, 

Stubborn  disease,  which  med'cine  cannot  cure. 

And  if  adversity's  cold,  wintry  blast 


OCCASIONAL    POEMS.  221 

Invade  the  shiv'ring  heart,  then  comfort  dies, 
And  solitary  hope  just  lives,  to  warm 
With  some  faint  gleams  of  possible  relief. 

Thus  pond'ring  o'er  the  gloomy  scenes  of  life, 
The  pensive  muse  attun'd  her  plaintive  song. 
Her  eye  dejected  fix'd  upon  the  ground, 
Where  thorny  cares  spontaneous  rise,  she  sigh'd, 
And  wish'd  a  fairer  prospect  !  smiling  hope 
Soft-whisp'ring,  bids  her  lift  her  downcast  eye, 
And  view  the  wild  attentive.     Now  she  sees 
A  beam  etherial,  dawning  o'er  the  gloom 
With  cheering  lustre,  permanent  and  mild. 
'Tis  mercy  !  saving  mercy  !  she  can  shield 
From  every  ill,  the  trembling,  trusting  soul. 
Beneath  the  shelter  of  her  guardian  wing 
Not  gay  prosperity's  malignant  glow 
Shall  scorch,  nor  cold  adversity  shall  freeze. 
Amid  the  devious  labyrinth  she  marks 
The  path  divine,  where  heav'nly  wisdom  leads 
Her  favour'd  vot'ries  ;  narrow  path,  but  safe. 
There  real  pleasures  rise,  and  sacred  peace 
Attend  their  steps  ;  if  thorny  cares  too  near 
Inflict  a  wound,  kind  mercy  instant  pours 
A  sovereign  balm,  to  ease  the  burning  pain. 
There  walks  humility  with  cautious  step  ; 
On  wisdom,  gracious  guide,  she  leans  secure. 
A  thousand  lurking  snares  her  feet  escape, 
And  o'er  her  head  a  thousand  dangers  fly, 
Fly  harmless.     Patience  there,  and  cheerful  l^ope 
Walk  hand  in  hand  ;  and  faith  with  piercing  eye 
T2 


212  OCCASIONAL    POEMS. 

Looks  forward  through  the  shades,  and  joyful  marks 
Her  journey's  end,  the  radiant  seats  of  day. 

"  Here  fix  your  choice  ;"  immortal  wisdom  cries  : 
"  To  you,  O  sons  of  men,  to  you  I  call  : 
"  O  turn  from  erring  folly.     Fatal  guide  ; 
"  Her  way  is  danger,  and  it  ends  in  death. 
"  Turn  to  my  path,  here  only  can  you  find 
"  Content,  which  wretched  thousands  seek  in  vain. 
"  My  path  is  safety  ;  and  it  leads  to  life, 
"  To  life  immo'rtal,  in  the  realms  of  bliss.*' 

Indulgent  mercy  wafts  the  heav'nly  sound, 
Reviving  to  my  heart.     Yes,  glorious  guide, 
To  thy  unerring  conduct  I  resign 
My  steps,  and  bless  the  ever-gracious  pow'r, 
Which  beam'd  a  ray  of  heav'n  o'er  this  dark  wild, 
And  led  my  feet  to  thy  celestial  path, 
The  path  of  peace,  and  life,  and  endless  joy. 


TO    THE    VOTARIES    OF    PLEASURE. 

x  e  mirthful  tribes,  who  careless,  vain,  and  gay, 
In  pleasure's  flowery  paths  untiring  stray  ; 
Say,  can  you  boast  content  ?    Ah,  no  ;  the  sigh, 
Involuntary,  breathes  your  sad  reply. 
And  conscience  speaks  :  attend  the  friendly  pow'r  j 
Indulge  one  serious,  one  reflecting  hour. 
Earth's  soft  allurements,  empty,  light,  and  vain, 
Are  dreams  of  joy  ;  you  wake  to  real  pain. 


OCCASIONAL    POEMS.  22J 

When  pleasure  dawns,  serenely  fair  and  bright, 

'Tis  shaded  soon  with  clouds,  and  lost  in  night  : 

Yet  still  you  fondly  court  its  flatt'ring  smiles  ; 

Again  it  glitters,  and  again  beguiles. 

Will  you  be  tempted  thus  with  painted  charms, 

And  follow  shadows  with  extended  arms  ? 

While  nobler  pleasures  stand  neglected  by, 

Nor  move  your  heart,  nor  raise  your  languid  eye  ? 

Delights  refin'd,  and  lasting,  court  your  choice, 

And  heav'nly  wisdom  sues  with  melting  voice  : 

"  How  long,  deluded,  wretched  souls  ;  how  long 

"  Shall  pleasure  sooth  you  with  her  syren  song  ? 

"  Ah  fly  the  fatal  smile,  th'  enchanting  strain, 

u  And  let  the  gay  deceiver  tempt  in  vain." 

Turn  at  the  friendly  call  ;  O  yet  be  wise, 

To  real  pleasures  raise  your  cheated  eyes. 

May  the  kind  admonition,  deep  imprest, 

Dwell  on  your  hearts,  and  teach  you  to  be  blest  ! 

Think  where  you  tread  1 — the  path  which  looks  so  gay. 

Is  ruin's  sure,  inevitable  way. 

Think — life  immortal,  or  eternal  death, 

Precarious  trembles  on  a  moment's  breath. 

This  single  moment's  yours — the  next  may  bear 

Your  souls  to  endless  darkness  and  despair. 

Fly  from  the  world's  deluding,  tempting  wiles, 

While  time  is  yours,  and  heav'nly  mercy  smiles  : 

From  sin,  from  all  its  soul-destroying  charms, 

Fly  to  the  great  Redeemer's  open  arms. 

Now  with  a  gentle,  kind,  inviting  voice, 

He  calls,  he  courts  you  to  immortal  joys. 

O  hear  those  winning  accents,  hear  and  prove 


224  OCCASIONAL    TOEMS. 

The  boundless  blessings  of  his  pard'ning  love. 
Ere  long,  that  slighted  voice,  with  dreadful  sound, 
Shall  with  the  keenest  pangs  of  terror  wound  ; 
Shall  wound  those  guilty  souls,  who  dare  despise 
His  sov'reign  grace  ;  nor  life  nor  glory  prize. 
Before  his  dreadful  bar  you  must  appear  : 
That  awful,  that  tremendous  hour,  how  near 
To  you  unknown  ;  yet  ev'ry  moment  brings 
Th'  important  period  nearer  on  its  wings. 
How  will  your  now  unmov'd,  relentless  heart 
Then  bear  the  word,  the  dreadful  word,  Depart  ? 
Depart  ccndemn'd,  accursed  down  to  hell, 
Where  black  despair,  and  endless  torment  dwell  ? 
In  time  reflect,  and  tremble  at  the  view, 
The  fatal  path  to  death  no  more  pursue. 
Fly  for  your  lives,  to  safety  instant  fly  ; 
Ah,  wretched  ling'ring  souls,  why  will  you  die  ? 
While  heav'nly  patience  lengthens  out  your  day, 
And  God's  unerring  word  directs  the  way, 
O  seize  the  fleeting  hour,  the  precious  Now, 
And  at  the  Saviour's  feet  for  mercy  bow. 


ON   THE    PUBLICK    FAST. 

FEBRUARY     6,    1756. 
I. 

Oee,  gracious  God,  before  thy  throne 
Thy  mourning  people  bend  ! 

'Tis  on  thy  sov'reign  grace  alone, 
Our  humble  hopes  depend. 


OCCASIONAL    TOEMS.  225 

II. 

i  Tremendous  judgments  from  thy  hand, 

Thy  dreadful  poW*r  display  ; 
Yet  mercy  spares  this  guilty  land, 

And  yet  we  live  to  pray. 
III. 
Great  God,  and  why  is  Britain  spar'd, 

Ungrateful  as  we  are  ? 
O  be  these  awful  warnings  heard, 

While  mercy  cries,  Forbear. 
IV. 
What  num'rous  crimes  increasing  rise 

O'er  all  this  wretched  isle  ! 
What  land  so  favour'd  of  the  skies, 

And  yet  what  land  so  vile  ! 
V. 
How  chang'd,  alas  !  are  truths  divine. 

For  error,  guilt,  and  shame  ! 
What  impious  numbers,  bold  in  sin, 

Disgrace  the  christian  name  ! 
VI. 
O  bid  us  turn,  almighty  Lord, 

By  thy  resistless  grace  ; 
Then  shall  our  hearts  obey  thy  word, 

And  humbly  seek  thy  face. 
VII. 
Then  should  insulting  foes  invade, 

We  shall  not  sink  in  fear  ; 
Secure  of  never-failing  aid, 

If  God,  our  God,  is  near. 

*  Earthquake  at  Lisbon,  8cc. 


226  OCCASIONAL    POEMS. 


NATIONAL   JUDGMENTS    DEPRECATED. 

ON    THE     FAST.      FEB.    11,    1757. 
I. 

W  hile  justice  waves  her  vengeful  hand 
Tremendous  o'er  a  guilty  land. 
Almighty  God,  thy  awful  pow'r 
With  fear  and  trembling  we  adore. 

II. 
Where  shall  we  fly,  but  to  thy  feet  ? 
Our  only  refuge  is  thy  seat  ; 
Thy  seat,  where  potent  mercy  pleads, 
And  holds  thy  thunder  from  our  heads. 

III. 
W7hile  peace  and  plenty  bless'd  our  days, 
Where  was  the  tribute  of  thy  praise  ? 
Ungrateful  race  !  how  have  we  spent 
The  blessings  which  thy  goodness  lent  ? 

IV. 
Pale  famine  now,  and  wasting  war, 
With  threat'ning  frown  thy  wrath  declare  ; 
But  war  and  famine  are  thy  slaves, 
Nor  can  destroy  when  mercy  saves. 

V. 
Look  down,  O  Lord,  with  pitying  eye  ; 
Though  loud  our  crimes  for  vengeance  cry, 
Let  mercy's  louder  voice  prevail, 
Nor  thy  long-suffering  patience  fail. 


OCCASIONAL    rOEMS.  227 

VI. 

Encourag'd  by  thy  sacred  word, 
May  we  not  plead  the  blest  record, 
That  when  a  humbled  nation  mourns, 
Thy  rising  wrath  to  pity  turns. 

VII. 
O  let  thy  sov'reign  grace  impart 
Contrition  to  each  rocky  heart, 
And  bid  sincere  repentance  flow, 
A  gen'ral,  undissembled  woe. 

VIII. 
Our  arms,  O  God  of  armies,  bless, 
Thy  hand  alone  can  give  success, 
And  make  our  haughty  neighbours  own 
That  heav'n  protects  the  British  throne. 

IX. 
Fair  smiling  peace  again  restore, 
With  plenty  bless  the  pining  poor, 
And  may  a  happy  thankful  land 
Obedient  own  thy  guardian  hand. 


ON  THE   SAME.      PLEADING   FOR   MERCY 

I. 

V^ome,  let  our  souls  adore  the  Lord, 

Whose  judgments  yet  delay, 
Who  yet  suspends  the  lifted  sword, 

And  gives  us  leave  to  pray. 


228  OCCASIONAL    POEMS. 

II. 

In  armies,  fleets,  or  strong  allies, 

No  more  we  place  our  trust  ; 
On  God  alone,  our  hope  relies, 

Kind,  potent,  wise,  and  just. 
III. 
Great  is  our  guilt,  our  fears  are  great  : 

But  let  us  not  despair  ; 
Still  open  is  the  mercy-seat 

To  penitence  and  prayer. 
IV. 
Kind  Intercessor,  to  thy  love 

This  blessed  hope  we  owe  ; 
O  let  thy  merits  plead  above,  . 

While  we  implore  below. 
V. 
O  gracious  God,  for  Jesus'  sake, 

Attend  thy  Britain's  cry  ; 
Nor  let  the  kindling  vengeance  break 

Destructive  from  thine  eye. 
VI. 
Though  justice  near  thy  awful  throne 

Attends  thy  dread  command, 
Lord,  hear  thy  servants,  hear  thy  Son, 

And  save  a  guilty  land. 


OCCASIONAL    POEMS.  529 


\ATIOXAL   JUDGMENTS  AND  MERCIES  A 
CALL  TO  REPENTANCE.     Nov.  1757. 

I. 

Xjoxg  has  divine  compassion  strove 

With  this  rebellious  land  ; 
O  justice,  long  has  pleading  love 
Withheld  thy  dreadful  hand. 
II. 
At  length,  ye  Britons,  lift  your  eyes, 

Your  crimes  no  more  pursue  ; 
Behold  the  gath'ring  tempest  rise, 
And  tremble  at  the  view  ! 
III. 
See,  fraught  with  vengeance,  how  it  spreads  ! 

To  mercy  instant  fly  ; 
Ere  yet  it  burst  upon  your  heads, 
Repent,  repent — or  die. 
IV. 
Late  raging  storm*,  'twas  mercy  stay'd, 

Her  voice  destruction  heard, 
Tli'  impetuous  winds  her  voice  obey'd, 
And  awful  justice  spar'd. 
V. 
Shall  every  warning  be  in  vain 

Your  ruin  to  prevent  ? 
Indulgent  mercy  calls  again, 
Return,  repent  !  repent  ! 

*  Off  Louisbourg. 
U  VOL.   i. 


230  OCCASIONAL    POEMS. 

VI. 

The  voice,  ye  Britons,  hear  with  awe? 

O  hear,  and  turn  to  God  ; 
Lest  mercy\  long  abus'd,  withdraw, 

And  leave  you  to  the  rod. 
VII. 
Almighty  God,  thy  pow'rful  grace 

Can  change  us,  and  forgive  ; 
Can  save  a  guilty  rebel  race, 

Ann  say,  Repent,  and  live, 
VIII. 
O  let  thy  pow'rful  grace  appear, 

And  justice  sheath  her  sword  ; 
Then  shall  a  rescu'd  nation  fear, 

And  love,  and  praise  the  Lord. 


THE    INVOCATION. 

I. 

oay,  gentle  Muse,  who  oft  has  deign'd 
With  humble  solitude  to  dwell  ; 
Whose  cheering  visits,  in  the  lonely  cell, 
With  tuneful  numbers  sooth'd  my  pain, 
And  bade  the  sadly-pleasing  strain, 
To  ease  my  woe, 
Harmonious  flow  ; 
And  pensive  care  sat  list'ning  while  my 'song  com- 
plain'd. 


OCCASIONAL    TOEMS.  231 

II. 

Say,  wilt  thou  ne'er  return  ? 
And  must  I  ever  mourn  ? 
And  must  I  ever  tune  in  vain 
The  dull  unanimated  strain  ? 
O  come,  the  languid  notes  inspire, 
Once  more  awake  the  sacred  lyre, 
And  teach  my  song  on  stronger  wings  to  rise. 
Unmindful  of  her  heavenly  birth, 
My  grov'ling  soul  sinks  down  to  earth  ; 
And  while  she  tries 
In  vain  to  rise, 
Clouds  interpose,  and  veil  the  distant  skies. 

III. 
Come,  sweet  Urania,  come,  thy  cheering  pow'r 
Once  more  impart 
To  warm  my  heart  : 
To  thee  I  would  devote  this  solemn,  silent  hour. 
Retir'd  from  company  and  noise, 
Amusement  flies  ;  her  idle,  flutt'ring  train 
Reflection,  sighing,  owns  are  empty,  light,  and  vain, 
And  bids  my  heart  aspire  to  nobler  joys  : 

IV. 
To  nobler  joys  than  earth  bestows, 
Were  earth,  in  all  her  fairest  charms, 
To  lure  my  eyes,  and  tempt  my  arms, 
And  try  to  gain  my  heart. 
My  heart  replies 
In  painful  sighs 
Vain  world,  depart ! 
Thy  soft  allurements  all  are  vain  ; 


232  OCCASIONAL    POEMS. 

Thy  sweetest  pleasures  are  but  gilded  woes, 
Thy  brightest  scenes  are  clouded  soon,  and  dark'nin^- 
end  in  pain. 

V. 
Come,  heav'n-born  faith,  fair  seraph,  come  ; 
How  weak  the  muse's  pow'r  without  thy  aid  ! 
Thy  radiant  eye  can  pierce  the  gloom, 
Can  guide  her  doubtful  flight, 
Beyond  the  seats  of  night, 
And  point  afar 
The  morning-star, 
Which  cheers  with  heav'n's  sweet  dawn  this  mortal 
shade  ! 

VI. 
Here  let  my  invocation  end  j 

Or  rather  here  begin  ! 
Bright  morning-star,  thy  blissful  ray 
Can  chase  this  mortal  shade  away, 

This  night  of  death  and  sin. 
Before  thy  all-enlivening  eye, 
Death,  sin,  and  fear,  and  terror  fly, 
And  hope  looks  up  and  hails  the  rising  day. 
Then  comfort  smiles,  desire  and  faith  ascend, 
Kind  messenger  of  life,  on  thee  my  hopes  depend. 
VII. 
Bright  morning-star,  when  wilt  thou  rise 

On  this  benighted  heart  ? 
Thou  art  my  light,  and  thou  my  guide  : 
O  come,  and  bless  my  longing  eyes, 
Dispel  these  gloomy  clouds  which  hide 
Thy  soul-reviving  light ; 


OCCASIONAL    FOEMS.  233 

Break  with  immortal  radiance,  through  the  night. 
And  id  thy  healing  beams,  the  dawn  of  heav'n  impart 
VIII. 
Thy  beams  alone  can  bring  my  day  ; 
O  shine  with  soul-attracting  ray, 
Till  darkness,  sin,  and  doubt  retire, 
And  raise  my  languid  heart,  and  bid  my  hope  aspire 
To  bliss  unmingled  and  refin'd  ; 
Bright  scenes  unknown  below, 
Without  a  shade  of  woe, 
Immortal  pleasures,  worthy  of  the  mind  ! 
Then  shall  the  muse  awake  the  sacred  lyre  ; 
Then  shall  her  sweetest  notes  harmonious  rise, 
And  bear  my  thoughts  enraptur'd  to  the  skies, 
While  love  and  thankful  joy  the  votive  song  inspire. 


TO   FLORIO. 

I. 

h  or  blooming  happiness  young  Florio  sighs  ; 
And  yonder,  see,  the  lovely  stranger  wait  ! 
Desire,  impatient,  sparkles  in  his  eyes, 
Till  wealth  conduct  her  smiling  to  his  gate. 

II. 
Here,  Florio,  take  this  glass,*  and  look  again  ; 
You'll  find  'tis  distance  makes  her  seem  so  fair. 
She  must  be  yours, — nor  shall  you  sigh  in  vain- 
Not  blooming  happiness,  but  wrinkled  care  : 

*  The  Bible. 

U2 


234  OCCASIONAL    POEMS. 

III. 

Companion  of  your  life  ;  for  heaven  ordains 
That  care  with  riches  is  a  constant  guest ; 
Yet  fond,  mistaking  mortals  court  her  chains, 
And  think  her  tyrant  sway  will  make  them  blest 

IV. 
But  upward  point  that  glass  of  truth,  and  see 
A  fairer  guest,  descending  from  the  sky, 
Celestial  hope  !  'tis  she,  my  friend,  'tis  she 
Who  never  pains  the  heart,  or  cheats  the  eye. 

V. 
Kind  hope,  she  rules  the  mind  with  sweet  control; 
Her  voice  is  harmony  !  propitious  fair  ! 
She  calms,  inspires,  and  animates  the  soul, 
And  wins  a  smile  from  gloomy  frowning  care. 

VI. 
Care  plants  a  thorny  forest  on  the  plain, 
And  teazing,  bids  you  trace  that  forest  o'er 
In  search  of  happiness,  but  still  in  vain 
Your  weary  steps  the  mazy  wild  explore. 

VII. 
Celestial  hope  relieves  your  anxious  mind, 
While  through  the  gloom  the  dear  supporter  guides 
Your  doubtful  way,  and  whispers,   "  You  shall  find 
"(  Though  distant  far)  where  happiness  resides. 

VIII. 
a  See,  the  shades  open  ! — now  direct  your  eye, 
"  A  beam  of  glory  points  her  bright  abode, 
M  Beyond  the  reach  of  care,  above  the  sky  : 
"  This  glass,  this  faithful  glass  will  shew  the  road." 


OCCASIONAL    POEMS.  235 


TO    BELINDA. 


I. 

.Belinda  to  her  utmost  wish  is  blest  ! 
But  stay,  my  friend — that  hasty  thought  review — 
New  wishes  yet  will  rise  to  break  your  rest  ; 
And  if  not  lasting,  can  your  bliss  be  true  ? 

II. 
True  happiness  is  not  the  growth  of  earth, 
The  toil  is  fruitless  if  you  seek  it  there  ; 
JTis  an  exotic  of  celestial  birth, 
And  never  blooms,  but  in  celestial  air. 

III. 
Sweet  plant  of  paradise,  its  seeds  are  sown 
In  here  and  there  a  mind  of  heav'nly  mould  ; 
It  rises  slow,  and  buds,  but  ne'er  is  known 
To  blossom  fair,  the  climate  is  too  cold. 

IV. 
Ah  no,  Belinda,  you  have  only  found 
Some  flower  that  charms  your  fancy,  gaily  dress'd 
In  shining  dyes,  a  native  of  the  ground, 
And  think  you  are  of  happiness  possess'd. 

V. 
But  mark  its  date,  to-morrow  you  may  find 
The  colours  fade,  the  lovely  form  decay  : 
And  can  that  pleasure  satisfy  the  mind, 
Which  blooms,  and  fades,  the  solace  of  a  day  ? 


236  OCCASIONAL    POEMS. 

VI. 

O  may  your  erring  wishes  learn  to  rise 
Beyond  the  transient  bliss  which  fancy  knows  ! 
Search  not  on  earth,  explore  its  native  skies  ; 
There  happiness  in  full  perfection  grows. 


RESIGNATION. 

I. 

W  eary  of  these  low  scenes  of  night, 
My  fainting  heart  grows  sick  of  time, 
Sighs  for  the  dawn  of  sweet  delight, 
Sighs  for  a  distant,  happier  clime  ! 

II. 
Ah  why  that  sigh  ? — peace,  coward  heart, 
And  learn  to  bear  thy  lot  of  woe  : 
Look  round — how  easy  is  thy  part 
To  what  thy  fellow-suff'rers  know. 

III. 
Are  not  the  sorrows  of  the  mind 
Entail'd  on  ev'ry  mortal  birth  ? 
Convinc'd,  hast  thou  not  long  resign'd 
The  flattering  hope  of  bliss  on  earth  ? 

IV. 
'Tis  just,  'tis  right ;  thus  he  ordains, 
Who  form'd  this  animated  clod  ; 
That  needful  cares,  instructive  pains, 
May  bring  the  restless  heart  to  God. 


OCCASIONAL    POEMS. 

V. 

In  him,  my  soul,  behold  thy  rest, 
Nor  hope  for  bliss  below  the  sky  : 
Come,  resignation,  to  my  breast, 
And  silence  every  plaintive  sigh. 

VI. 
Come,  Faith,  and  Hope,  celestial  pair  ! 
Calm  resignation  waits  on  you  ; 
Beyond  these  gloomy  scenes  of  care, 
Point  out  a  soul-enlivening  view. 

VII. 
Parent  of  good,  'tis  thine  to  give 
These  cheerful  graces  to  the  mind  : 
Smile  on  my  soul,  and  bid  me  live 
Desiring,  hoping,  yet  resign'd. 

VIII. 
Thy  smile, — -sweet  dawn  of  endless  day  ! 
Can  make  my  weary  spirit  blest  ; 
While  on  my  Father's  hand  I  stay, 
And  in  his  love  securely  rest. 

IX. 
My  Father,  dear,  delightful  name  ! 
Replete  with  life,  and  joy  sincere  ! 
O  wilt  thou  gracious,  seal  my  claim, 
And  banish  every  anxious  fear. 

X. 
Then,  cheerful  shall  my  heart  survey 
The  toils,  and  dangers  of  the  road  ; 
And  patient  keep  the  heav'nly  way, 
Which  leads  me  homewards  to  my  God. 


238  OCCASIONAL    POEMS* 


AN  EVENING  WALK. 

I. 

_r  rom  the  philosophic  grow, 

Where  enlarg'd  ideas  rove, 
In  earth,  or  air,  collecting  sweets  divine  : 

Or  the  lonely  rural  cell, 

Where  the  humble  virtues  dwell, 
Unenvy'd  dwell  ;  and  yet  how  fair  they  shine  ! 
II. 

Meditation,  pleasing  guest  I 

Come  to  this  desiring  breast, 
And  make  it,  like  the  ev'ning  air,  serene  ! 

See,  what  cheerful  verdure  spreads 

O'er  the  fields,  and  o'er  the  meads, 
And  trace  the  beauties  of  the  vernal  scene. 
III. 

Beauties,  ah  how  short  their  boast  ! 

Now  they  bloom— and  now  they're  lost, 
And  all  that  looks  so  gay,  shall  cease  to  charm  : 

— Melancholy  thought — away— 

Not  in  vain  is  nature  gay, 
She  bids  expectant  hope  the  bosom  warm. 
IV. 

Hope  with  ever-cheerful  eye 

O'er  yon  verdant  fields  can  spy 
Fail'  plenty  pour  profuse  the  future  bread  : 

On  the  rosy-blossom 'd  trees, 

Smiling — fading — now  she  sees 
Autumnal  fruits,  their  richer  beauties  spread. 


OCCASIONAL    POEMS.  239 

V. 

Meditation,  come  away, 

Hope  attends  thee,  ever  gay  ; 
Come,  sweet  companions,  tune  my  artless  lays  I 

Nature's  every  various  grace, 

While  my  thoughts  with  wonder  trace, 
O  may  that  wonder  wake  my  heart  to  praise  ! 
VI. 

Can  I  view  with  languid  thought, 

All  the  scene  with  blessings  fraught, 
Not  own  the  bounteous  hand  from  whence  they  flow  ? 

See,  how  wisdom,  goodness,  pow'r, 

Join  to  bid  my  heart  adore, 
And  pay  the  debt  of  praise  I  hourly  owe  I 
VII. 

Praise,  a  tribute  ah  how  poor  ! 

Language,  what  is  all  thy  store, 
My  boundless  obligations  to  display  ? 

Bid  the  earth-born  reptile  try, 

Looking  upward  to  the  sky 
To  count  the  blessings  of  the  source  of  day 
VIII. 

Faint  are  all  the  notes  I  raise, 

Lord,  accept  my  wish  to  praise  ! 
To  thee  my  heart,  to  thee  my  all  belongs  : 

Thy  inspiring  grace  impart, 

Teach  the  breathings  of  my  heart 
To  praise  thee  better  than  my  feeble  songs 


240  OCCASIONAL    POEMS- 


THE   HUMBLE  CLAIM. 

IVXy  God — important,  glorious,  blissful  name  1 
Can  I  without  a  fear,  assert  my  claim  ? 
I  fear,  yet  hope,  I  doubt,  and  yet  desire, 
Now  tremble  low  on  earth,  and  now  aspire, 
Aspire  to  love — ah  vile,  ungrateful  heart  ! 
Canst  thou  sincerely  love,  and  yet  depart, 
So  oft  depart,  entic'd  by  earthly  toys, 
In  chace  of  dreams  forsake  substantial  joys  ? 

His  word  recalls  my  heart,  invites  my  trust  ; 
That  word  reveals  him,  merciful  and  just : 
Kind  mercy,  smiling  power,  forbids  despair  ; 
But  who,  O  justice,  who  thy  frown  can  bear  ? 
He  bore  the  frown,  the  stroke  of  justice,  He 
Who  dy'd  for  man — O  may  I  say,  for  me  ! 
Then  justice  sheath'd  her  sword,  and  reconcil'd, 
Own'd  the  full  ransom  paid — and  mercy  smii'd, 
Triumphant  mercy  ! — how  divinely  bright  ! 
How  angels  gaz'd,  and  wonder'd  at  the  sight  ! 
Had  angels  cause  of  wonder  ?     Man  has  more  j 
Yes,  dearest  Lord,  I  wonder,  love,  adore  ! 
My  Saviour,  O  permit  my  humble  trust, 
Permit  my  soul,  though  mourning  in  the  dust, 
To  look  to  thee,  my  hope,  my  only  stay  I 
And  sure,  thou  wilt  not  frown  my  soul  away, 
For  thou  art  love  ;  thou  wilt  not  say,  "  Depart," 
But,  "  give  me,  trembling  sinner,  all  thy  heart." 


OCCASIONAL    POEMS.  241 

To  thee,  my  heart,  dear  Saviour,  I  resign  ; 

Thy  grace  with  sweet  constraint  can  make  it  thine  : 

Vile  wretched  heart  !   thy  pow'rful  grace  alone 

Can  cleanse,  renew,  and  make  it  all  thy  own. 

O  let  thy  love,  thy  all-prevailing  love, 

Possess  my  heart,  and  every  fear  remove  ! 

Then  shall  my  soul  assert  her  joyful  claim, 

Great  Mediator,  in  thy  worthy  name  ! 

Then  shall  I  say,  my  God,  with  full  delight, 

While  all  his  promises  my  trust  invite  ! 

My  God,  transporting  accents  !  bliss  divine  ! 

Indulge  the  claim,  O  let  me  call  thee  mine  ! 

O  may  my  panting  heart  to  thee  aspire, 

With  restless  wishes,  with  intense  desire, 

Till  full  assurance  of  thy  love  impart 

The  dawn  of  heaven  to  my  enraptur'd  heart  ! 

Ah,  what  is  earth,  with  all  her  flattering  toys  ! 
Ye  dreams  begone — I  seek  substantial  joys  ! 
Substantial  joys  those  glorious  words  contain, 
My  God  ! — let  not  my  heart  repeat  in  vain, 
My  God  !  O  seal  my  claim,  and  I  am  blest ! 
Here  my  hope  terminates,  my  wishes  rest. 
Of  full,  unbounded  happiness  possest. 


THE   PROSPECT. 

JL  o  Melancholy,  softly-pensive  power, 

As  late  I  gave  the  solitary  hour  ; 

Before  my  thoughts,  in  long  succession,  rose 

W  VOL.    I. 


242  OCCASIONAL    POfcMS. 

The  sadly-varied  train  of  human  woes. 
To  contemplation's  mount,  serene  retreat  ! 
The  muse  indulgent  led  my  willing  feet ; 
And  while  I  view'd  th'  extended  prospect  round, 
She  bade  the  soothing,  plaintive  lyre  resound. 

Here,  on  a  verdant  plain  bespread  with  flowers, 
The  sons  of  mirth  indulge  their  sprightly  pow'rs  ; 
With  roses  crown'd,  how  blithsome,  light,  and  gay, 
They  dance  and  sing  the  flying  hours  away  ! 
Reflection,  care,  and  foresight,  all  retreat, 
For  here  hath  pleasure  only  fix'd  her  seat  : 
Her  wretched  vot'ries  court  her  silken  chains 
For  present  joy,  nor  dreams  of  future  pains. 
Death  ready  arm'd  attends,  and  marks  unseen, 
His  fated  victims  in  the  mirthful  scene. 
Ha  ! — whence  that  groan  ? — from  yonder  gloomy  cell 
So  near  the  seats  of  joy  can  anguish  dwell  ? 
Yes,  keenest  anguish  there  and  terror  reign  : 
Oh,  would  the  thoughtless,  laughing,  frolic  train 
Attend,  nor  let  that  warning  groan  be  vain  ! 

Unlike  to  these,  yon  restless  tribe  behold  ! 
Their  lives,  incessant  toil  ;  their  idol,  gold  ; 
Close  at  their  heels  attends  corroding  care, 
On  either  side,  distrust  and  anxious  fear. 
To  friendship  strangers,  and  to  social  joys  ; 
The  wish  of  wealth  their  sordid  souls  employs. 
Their  hopes,  their  cares,  are  lost  in  glitt'ring  dust  : 
The  toil  how  fruitless  !  and  how  vain  the  trust  ! 
Insidious  death  prepares  his  ruthless  dart, 
To  rend  the  idol  from  the  bleeding  heart. 


01  *.  ASlONAl.     FOLMS, 

And  now  ■  different  scene  my  eye  surveys. 
An  eager  throng,  the  candidates  for  praise. 
To  gain  the  envy'd  height,  Where  fame  bestows 
Her  fairest  wreath,  each  panting  bosom  glows. 
The  glorious  prize  inspires  their  ardent  toils, 
Till  on  their  brow  the  dear-bought  laurel  smiles- 
Behold  the  sons  of  valour,  learning,  wit  ; 
High  on  an  eminence  sublime  they  sit, 
With  crowds  of  flatt'rers  fawning  at  their  feet. 
But  see,  malignant  envy  stealing  nigh  ! 
She  breathes — the  tainted  laurels  droop  and  die. 
The  changeful  many  mark  the  dire  disgrace, 
And  pluck  the  little  pageants  from  their  place. 
Surprizing  change  !  almost  ador'd  before, 
Now  nam'd  with  infamy,  or  nam'd  no  more. 

Such  mournful  scenes,   what  heart  unmov'd  could 
bear  ? 
Soft  pity  dropp'd  the  unavailing  tear. 
"  Ah,  wretched  mortals  !  a  deluded  train  ! 
u  Their  hopes,  their  joys,  their  busy  cares,  how  vain  ;" 
Are  gifts  like  these,  O  earth,  thy  proudest  boast  ? 
Thy  fav'rites  prove  their  value  to  their  cost. 
'Tis  then  their  real  estimate  we  know, 
When  fame,  wealth,  pleasure,  end  in  death  or  woe. 
The  view  how  doleful,  did  there  not  appear 
A  few  of  mien  sedate,  and  cheerful  air. 
A  happy  few,  whom  true  religion  guides, 
Points  out  their  path,  and  o'er  their  steps  presides  ! 
When  griefs  oppress,  her  gentle  hand  sustains  ; 
Ker  cheering  voice  can  soften  all  their  pains. 


244  OCCASIONAL    TOE5IS. 

Though  arrows,  wing'd  with  danger,  fly  around, 

She  wards  the  stroke,  or  heals  the  smarting  wound. 

Her  sacred  dictates  they  with  joy  obey, 

Nor  wish  to  leave  the  heaven-directed  way. 

Nor  fame  allures,  nor  pleasure's  silken  chain, 

Nor  glitt'ring  dust,  their  nobler  thoughts  detain  : 

Desire  and  hope  sit  smiling  in  their  eyes, 

With  patience  temper'd  ;  while  the  distant  skies 

Attract  their  upward  glance,  and  speak  their  care, 

And  speak  their  joy  and  expectation  there. 

Hail,  heaven-taught  minds  !    my  heart  your  friendship 

claims  j 
Be  mine  your  cares,  and  hopes,  your  joys  and  aims-. 

O  for  a  beam  of  glory  from  above, 
To  bid  the  intervening  clouds  remove  ; 
From  earth's  low  dregs  to  purge  the  visual  ray, 
And  clear  my  prospect  to  the  realms  of  day. 
Dim  is  the  eye  of  sense  ;  but  faith  supplies 
(Inspir'd  by  heaven)  what  feeble  sense  denies. 
In  revelation's  glass,  celestial  aid, 
Applied  by  faith,  what  wonders  are  displayed  ! 
What  boundless  glories  open  to  the  view  ! 
And  joys  forever  bright  !  forever  new  ! 
Unfading  honours  !  pleasures  all  refin'd  ! 
And  riches  lasting  as  th'  immortal  mind  ! 
There  full  delight,  a  boundless  river,  flows  ! 
There  unforbid,  the  tree  of  knowledge  grows  ! 
And  there  the  tree  of  life  invites  the  taste 
To  fruits  celestial,  an  immortal  feast  I 
There  an  unfading  verdure  clothes  the  plains? 


OCCASIONAL    POEMS.  245 

And  constant  spring  in  perfect  beauty  reigns 
A  paradise  with  every  joy  replete  ! 
Nor  pain,  nor  care  invade  the  safe  retreat  : 
For  there  the  living  source  of  bliss  displays, 
Without  a  cloud,  his  life-inspiring  rays. 
No  mortal  ear  has  known,  no  mortal  eye, 
Xo  stretch  of  human  thought  can  e'er  descry, 
Nor  faith  with  heaven-imparted  ardour  trace 
The  endless  glories  of  the  blissful  place. 

Oh,  happy  fav'rites  of  almighty  love, 
Whose  hopes,  and  cares,  and  hearts,  are  fix'd  above  ! 
Stern  death  to  these  no  frown  of  terror  wears  ; 
Kind  envoy  from  their  Father's  court,  he  bears 
His  blest  commission,  to  dissolve  the  tie 
Which  holds  their  longing  spirits  from  the  sky. 

Now  rise  my  wishes  high  to  joys  divine  ; 
O  may  this  state,  this  blissful  state,  be  mine  ! 
Great  Spring  of  life,  to  thee  my  heart  aspires, 
Forgive  and  animate  these  faint  desires. 
Thou  ever-gracious,  potent,  wise,  and  just, 
Whose  promis'd  aid  invites  my  humble  trust ; 
Instruct  my  feet  to  shun,  with  constant  care, 
The  path  where  pleasure  spreads  the  tempting  snare  : 
Teach  me  to  scorn  the  joys  of  treasur'd  earth  : 
Ignoble  aim,  unworthy  of  my  birth, 
Beneath  my  hopes  ;  nor  let  deluding  fame 
Allure  me  with  the  empty  sound,  a  name  ! 
Thy  favour  is  my  wish  ;  for  this  alone 
Is  honour,  boundless  pleasure,  wealth  unknown, 
W  2 


246  OCCASIONAL    POEMS. 

My  God,  my  guide*  thy  guardian  care  display, 
And  let  thy  blissful  presence  cheer  my  way, 
Through  life's  bewilder'd  maze,  in  every  scene, 
My  light  in  darkness,  my  support  in  pain. 
At  death's  approach,  O  let  thy  smile  impart 
Celestial  consolation  to  my  heart  j 
Thy  gracious  smile  shall  banish  every  fear, 
And  gentle  death  without  a  frown  appear  : 
Kind  messenger,  to  bear  me  to  my  God, 
To  dwell  forever  in  thy  bright  abode  ! 


DESIRING  TO  BID  ADIEU  TO  THE  WORLD. 

I. 

V  exatious  world,  thy  flattering  snares 
Too  long  have  held  my  easy  heart ; 
And  shalt  thou  still  engross  my  cares  ? 

Vain  world,  depart. 
II. 
I  want  delights  thou  canst  not  give, 
Thy  joys  are  bitterness  and  woe  ; 
My  pining  spirit  cannot  live 

On  aught  below. 
III. 
Enchanting  prospects  court  the  eye, 
And  gay  alluring  pleasures  smile  ; 
But  in  the  fond  pursuit  they  die  : 

Ah  fruitless  toil  ! 


OCCASIONAL    POEMS.  247 

IV. 

But  grief,  substantial  grief  is  here, 
As  gloomy  as  Egyptian  night  j 
When  will  the  smiling  dawn  appear 

Of  true  delight  ? 
V. 
How  oft  convinc'd  shall  I  complain 
That  happiness  cannot  be  found  ? 
Yet  sighing,  mourning,  still  in  vain, 

Cleave  to  the  ground. 
VI. 
Look,  Sov'reign  Goodness,  from  the  skies, 
Look  down  with  gently-pitying  eye  ; 
O  bid  my  fainting  spirit  rise  : 

To  thee  I  sigh. 
VII. 
With  beams  of  sweet  celestial  light, 
Dispel  the  dark  oppressive  gloom  ; 
Display  the  mansions  of  delight, 

And  bid  me  come. 
VIIL 
Those  shining  realms  of  endless  day 
Could  I  one  happy  moment  view, 
Then  should  my  soul  with  transports  say, 

Vain  world,  adieu. 


248  OCCASIONAL   POEMS. 


OCCASIONED    BY    READING     MR.  GRAY'S 
HYMN  TO   ADVERSITY. 

I. 

\J  kind  Adversity,  thou  friend  to  truth  ! 
By  thee  to  virtue  form'd,  the  human  mind 
Disdains  the  vanities  of  heedless  youth  ; 
How  roving  else,  and  ignorant,  and  blind  ! 

II. 
When  flatt'ring  fortune  shines  with  gaudy  blaze, 
In  facinating  chains  she  holds  the  eye  ; 
The  mind  is  lost  in  error's  fatal  maze, 
And  dreams  of  lasting  bliss  below  the  sky. 

III. 
Thy  friendly  admonitions  rouse  the  soul, 
Conviction  rises  strong  to  break  the  snare  ; 
Truth,  (heav'nly  guide  !)  appears  with  kind  control, 
And  fortune's  painted  scenes  are  lost  in  air. 

IV. 
Though  rough  thy  aspect,  and  thy  frown  severe, 
'Tis  but  to  bend  the  proud,  the  stubborn  heart ; 
A  soft  emollient  is  thy  briny  tear, 
And  thy  corrosives  pain  with  healing  smart. 

V. 
The  kindest,  gentlest  virtues  form  thy  train  ; 
Reflection  comes  with  pensive  musing  eye, 
And  humble  penitence,  that  not  in  vain 
Presents  to  heaven  the  supplicating  eye. 


OCCASIONAL    POEMS.  249 

VI. 

Meek  patience  looks  unmov'd  on  pain  and  care  ; 
While  cheerful  hope  with  peace-inspiring  smile, 
Points  forward,  through  the  gloom,  celestial  fair  ! 
The  woes  of  life,  her  whisper  can  beguile. 

VII. 
Beyond  the  woes  of  life  she  lifts  her  eyes, 
And  often  meditates  a  joyful  flight  ; 
By  faith,  her  radiant  sister,  taught  to  rise, 
To  distant  prospects  of  immense  delight. 

VIII. 
O  kind  adversity,  without  thy  aid, 
How  faintly  would  these  virtues  warm  the  breast  ! 
Why  should  I  tremble  at  thy  darksome  shade  ? 
For  who  without  adversity  is  blest  ? 

IX. 
Thy  wholesome  cold,  like  winter,  kills  the  wreeds 
Which  in  th'  uncultur'd  mind  luxuriant  rise  ; 
Then  heav'nly  wisdom  sows  her  precious  seeds, 
Nor  shall  they  want  the  blessings  of  the  skies. 

X. 
But  O  may  heaven  thy  rig'rous  hand  restrain, 
Mayst  thou  correct  and  teach,  but  not  destroy  ! 
Thy  needful  lessons  then  shall  not  be  vain, 
And  thy  short  sorrows  work  my  lasting  joy, 


250  OCCASIONAL    FOEMS'. 


TO   A  FRIEND,  ON  THE  DEATH   OF 
CHILD. 

I. 

J^ife  is  a  span,  a  fleeting  hour, 

How  soon  the  vapour  flies  ! 
Man  is  a  tender,  transient  flower, 

That  ev'n  in  blooming  dies. 
II. 
Death  spreads  like  winter's  frozen  arms, 

And  beauty  smiles  no  more  : 
Ah  !  where  are  now  those  rising  charms 

Which  pleas'd  our  eyes  before  ? 
III. 
The  once  lov'd  form  now  cold  and  dead, 

Each  mournful  thought  employs  ; 
And  nature  weeps  her  comforts  fled, 

And  wither'd  all  her  joys. 
IV. 
But  wait  the  interposing  gloom, 

And  lo,  stern  winter  flies  ; 
And  drest  in  beauty's  fairest  bloom, 

The  flow'ry  tribes  arise. 
V. 
Hope  looks  beyond  the  bounds  of  time  j 

When  what  we  now  deplore, 
Shall  rise  in  full  immortal  prime, 

And  bloom  to  fade  no  more. 


OCCASIONAL    POEMS.  251 

VI. 

Then  cease,  fond  nature,  cease  thy  tears, 

Religion  points  on  high  ; 
There  everlasting  spring  appears, 

And  joys  that  cannot  die. 


TO   DELIA  PENSIVE. 

I. 

Oay,  Delia,  whence  these  cares  arise, 
These  anxious  cares  which  rack  your  breast  ? 
If  heaven  is  infinitely  wise, 
What  heav'n  ordains,  is  right,  is  best. 

II. 
'Tis  wisdom,  mercy,  love  divine, . 
Which  mingles  blessings  with  our  cares  ; 
And  shall  our  thankless  hearts  repine 
That  we  obtain  not  all  our  prayers  ? 

III. 
From  diffidence  our  sorrows  flow  ; 
Short-sighted  mortals,  weak  and  blind, 
Bend  down  their  eyes  to  earth  and  woe, 
And  doubt  if  providence  is  kind. 

IV. 
Should  heaven  with  every  wish  comply, 
Say,  would  the  grant  relieve  the  care  ? 
Perhaps  the  good  for  which  we  sigh, 
Might  change  its  name,  and  prove  a  snare. 


252  OCCASIONAL    POEMS. 

V. 

Were  once  our  vain  desires  subdu'd, 
The  will  resign'd,  the  heart  at  rest  ; 
In  ev'ry  scene  we  should  conclude, 
The  will  of  heav'n  is  right,  is  best. 


SPRING    AND    AUTUMN. 

I. 

W  hen  Spring  displays  her  various  sweets, 
And  op'ning  blossoms  cheer  the  eyes, 
And  fancy  ev'ry  beauty  meets, 
Whence  does  the  pleasing  transport  rise  ? 

II. 
Soon  will  their  transient  date  expire, 
They  fly  and  mock  the  fond  pursuit  ; 
New  pleasures  then  the  thought  inspire, 
And  bounteous  Autumn  yields  her  fruit. 

III. 
Where  smiling  beauties  charm'd  the  sight, 
Whose  fragrance  bless'd  the  vernal  hours  ; 
Nectarious  fruits  the  taste  invite, 
And  compensate  for  faded  flow'rs. 

IV. 
Thus,  when  the  spring  of  youth  decays, 
Though  deck'd  with  blossoms  sweet  and  fair, 
Autumn  a  nobler  scene  displays, 
Tf  fruits  of  virtue  flourish  there. 


OCCASIONAL    POEMS. 


V. 

i/or  this  the  vernal  buds  arise  ; 
But,  if  no  useful  virtues  grow, 
Their  worthless  beauty  quickly  flies 
And  blossoms  only  serv'd  for  show 


TO    VARIO. 

I. 

Ixo,  Vario,  trace  creation's  ample  round, 
In  search  of  happiness  your  cares  employ  ; 
And  when  the  dear,  important  good  is  found, 
Say  is  it  permanent,  or  real  joy  ? 

II. 
If  real,  why,  when  distant  pleasures  rise, 
Does  glad  expectance  sparkle  in  your  eye  T 
Say  why,  when  near,  the  satisfaction  flies, 
\nd  disappointment  heaves  the  painful  sigh  ? 

III. 
Or  grant  your  heart  should  all  its  wish  possess, 
How  keen  the  fears  of  deprivation  sting  ! 
How  can  the  present  good  have  pow'r  to  bless, 
Which  hangs  precarious  on  a  moment's  wing  ? 

IV. 
Be  happy — what  on  earth  1  the  thought  how  vain  ! 
Earth  cannot  give  a  permanent  delight  ; 
As  sure  must  fleeting  pleasure  yield  to  pain, 
As  day  retreats  before  approaching  night. 

X  VOL.  I. 


254  OCCASIONAL    POEMS. 

V. 

Yet  is  not  heav'n  unkind,  which  shades  with  woe 
The  chequer'd  scene,  to  bid  our  wishes  rise  ; 
Could  real,  lasting  bliss  be  found  below, 
Why  should  we  seek  for  mansions  in  the  skies  ? 


TO   AMIRA  ON  HER  RECOVERY. 

Once  more  has  heav'n  indulgent  heard  our  prayers, 

And  spar'd  your  life  !    O  be  the  mercy  wrote, 

In  lasting  characters  of  duteous  love, 

On  every  heart  ;  and  may  Amira  be 

A  living  monument  of  grateful  praise. 

New  mercies  call  for  new  returns  of  love 

And  glad  obedience,  to  the  bounteous  hand 

From  whence  they  flow,  through  all  our  future  lives, 

When  sorrows  rise,  let  sweet  reflection  call 

Past  favours  o'er  ;  and  while  we  wond'ring  trace 

The  steps  of  providence,  adoring,  own 

Pow'r,  wisdom,  love  and  truth,  display 'd  in  all. 

And  these  can  never  change  ;  here  let  our  souls 

With  humble  trust,  and  cheerful  hope  recline. 

May  every  pain  be  sweeten'd  by  content, 

And  calm  submission  to  a  Father's  hand* 

A  father  !  O  endearing,  tender  name  ! 

And  will  the  Lord  of  angels  condescend 

To  call  us  children  ?     Yes,  almighty  love 

With  more  than  tenderness  paternal,  deigns 

To  sooth  our  cares  :  how  kind  his  gentle  hand. 


OCCASIONAL    rOEMS.  2$5 

Who  while  he  chastens,  pities,  and  supports 

Our  fainting  spirits  !  though  an  angry  frown 

Becloud  his  face,  how  soon  the  gloom  withdraws  t 

How  soon  divine  forgiveness  smiles  serene  ! 

O  may  his  mercies  be  our  constant  theme, 

And  warm  our  hearts,  and  tune  our  lips  to  praise, 

And  heighten  joy  to  transport,  while  we  view 

The  boundless  spring  of  bliss  from  whence  they  flow  ; 

Who  bids  our  hope  aspire  to  greater  joys  ; 

To  joys  beyond  the  reach  of  time  or  care, 

Reserv'd  for  those  who  love  him  !  may  our  hearts 

Rise  often  on  the  wings  of  faith  and  love 

To  those  divine  abodes,  where  not  a  cloud 

Of  pain  or  sorrow  spreads  a  moment's  gloom, 

To  shade  the  blissful  scene,  for  God  unveils 

His  radiant  face,  and  spreads  eternal  day. 


fO  THE  SAME,  ON  THE  DEATH  OF  HER 
CHILD. 

I. 

teo  fades  the  lovely,  blooming  flower, 
Frail,  smiling  solace  of  an  hour  I 
So  soon  our  transient  comforts  fly, 
And  pleasure  only  blooms  to  die  I 
To  certain  trouble  we  are  bom, 
Hope  to  rejoice,  but  sure  to  mourn. 
Ah  wretched  effort !  sad  relief, 
To  plead  necessity  of  grief  ! 


256  OCCASIONAL    POEMS. 

Is  there  no  kind,  no  lenient  art 
To  heal  the  anguish  of  the  heart  ? 
To  ease  the  heavy  load  of  care. 
Which  nature  must,  but  cannot  bear  ? 
Can  reason's  dictates  be  obey'd  ? 
Too  weak,  alas,  her  strongest  aid  ! 
O  let  religion  then  be  nigh, 
Her  comforts  were  not  made  to  die  > 
Her  pow'rful  aid  supports  the  soul, 
And  nature  owns  her  kind  control  > 
While  she  unfolds  the  sacred  page, 
Our  fiercest  griefs  resign  their  rage. 
Then  gentle  patience  smiles  on  pain, 
And  dying  hope  revives  again  ; 
Hope  wipes  the  tear  from  sorrow's  eye, 
And  faith  points  upward  to  the  sky  ; 
The  promise  guides  her  ardent  flight, 
And  joys  unknown  to  sense  invite, 
Those  blissful  regions  to  explore, 
Where  pleasure  blooms  to  fade  no  more. 


THE   COMFORTS   OF  RELIGION. 

I. 

O  blest  religion,  heav'nly  fair  ! 

Thy  kind,  thy  healing  power, 
Can  sweeten  pain,  alleviate  care, 

And  gild  each  gloomy  hour. 


OCCASIONAL    POEMS.  257 

II. 

When  dismal  thoughts,  and  boding  fears 

The  trembling  heart  invade  ; 
And  all  the  face  of  nature  wears 

A  universal  shade  : 

III. 
Thy  sacred  dictates  can  assuage 

The  tempest  of  the  soul, 
And  every  fear  shall  lose  its  rage 

At  thy  divine  control. 

IV. 
Through  life's  bewilder'd,  darksome  way, 

Thy  hand  unerring  leads  ; 
And  o'er  the  path,  thy  heavenly  ray 

A  cheering  lustre  sheds. 
V. 
When  feeble  reason,  tir'd  and  blind, 

Sinks  helpless  and  afraid  ; 
Thou  blest  supporter  of  the  mind, 

How  pow'rful  is  thy  aid  ! 
VI. 
O  let  my  heart  confess  thy  power, 

And  find  thy  sweet  relief, 
To  brighten  every  gloomy  hour, 

And  soften  every  grief. 


,X  2 


258  OCCASIONAL     POEMS, 


THE   DESIRE  OF   KNOWLEDGE    A    PROOF 
OF    IMMORTALITY. 

W  hat  is  this  thinking  pow'r,  this  active  mind, 

Which  nought  on  earth  can  satiate,  nought  can  bound  ? 

Restless  it  roams  the  wide  creation  o'er 

In  search  of  something  more  than  sense  can  give. 

Whate'er  delights,  the  senses  must  decline  ; 

?Tis  sbort-iiv'd  pleasure,  momentary  joy. 

The  senses  soon  are  tir'd,  and  sink  to  rest. 

The  mind,  unsatisfy'd,  looks  onward  still, 

And  asks  delights  more  noble  and  refin'd, 

More  permanent  and  full ;  'tis  knowledge  fires 

Its  ardent  wish,  and  tempts  the  warm  pursuit. 

This  is  the  food  of  minds  !  'tis  angels'  food  ! 

Those  happy  spirits  feast  with  full  delight, — 

But  here  we  only  taste,  and  long  to  feed. 

Surely,  the  mind  must  be  akin  to  heaven  ; 
For  heaven,  all-wise,  and  infinitely  good, 
Implants  not  these  sublime  desires  in  vain. 
If  nought  below  immortal  joys  can  fill 
The  mind,  the  mind  must  be  immortal  too. 
Inquisitive  and  restless,  now  she  soars 
Beyond  the  narrow  bounds  of  earth  and  time, 
To  reach  the  blissful  seats,  where  knowledge  spreads 
In  rich  variety  her  boundless  feast. 
But  soon  she  tires,  and  droops  her  feeble  wing, 


OCCASIONAL    POEMS.  259 

Oppress'd  with  heavy  clay,  and  sinks  to  earth  : 
Yet  here  reluctant  stays,  though  earth  allure 
With  soothing  arts  and  promises  of  joy. 
The  gay  amusement  for  a  moment  smiles 
In  painted  dreams  ;  again  the  mind  awakes, 
And  starts  disdainful  from  the  couch  of  ease. 
Now  with  expanded  wings,  again  she  tempts 
The  airy  flight  ;  but  tempts,  alas,  in  vain  ; 
Flutters  in  wild  conjecture's  giddy  rounds, 
Sinks  down  amid  the  shades  of  mortal  night, 
And  mourns  her  fetters,  and  her  feeble  wings. 

But  hope,  dear  comforter,  relieves  her  care, 
Celestial  hope  !  her  smiling  presence  cheers 
The  sable  gloom,  and  beams  a  healing  ray  : 
Her  gentle,  peace-inspiring  whisper  bids 
Look  forward  to  a  nobler,  happier  state  > 
When  minds  releas'd  from  all  the  chains  of  flesh, 
And  all  the  toys  of  sense,  shall  rise  enlarged 
To  perfect  freedom  and  unbounded  bliss. 


1  CORINTHIANS,  xiii. 

PARAPHRASED. 

W  ere  all  the  power  of  elocution  mine, 
An  angel's  voice,  and  harmony  divine  ; 
The  boasted  gifts,  with  charity  uncrown'd, 
Were  like  the  tinkling  cymbal's  empty  sound. 


260  OCCASIONAL    POEMS. 

Endow'd  with  knowledge — though  before  my  eye, 

Display'd  the  ample  fields  of  science  lie  ; 

The  pow'r  of  miracles  could  I  attain, 

If  charity  be  wanting,  all  is  vain  ! 

To  feed  the  hungry,  and  relieve  the  poor, 

Should  zeal  mistaken  lavish  all  my  store  j 

Nay,  should  I  give  my  body  to  the  flame, 

And  win  the  glory  of  a  martyr's  name  : 

If  charity  be  absent,  all  is  lost, 

My  zeal  is  but  an  empty,  idle  boast  ! 

Sweet  charity,  Ion g-suff 'ring,  meek  and  kind, 
Inspires  with  peace  and  joy  the  humble  mind. 
Her  heart  no  proud  disdainful  passion  swells, 
Nor  envy  in  her  gentle  bosom  dwells  : 
No  unbecoming  selfish  care  she  knows, 
But  ev'ry  social  virtue  round  her  flows  : 
Averse  to  take  affronts  her  placid  smile 
Looks  down  on  malice,  and  suspects  no  guile. 
She  finds  no  joy  in  sin's  deceitful  charms, 
For  sacred  truth  with  nobler  pleasure  warms. 
The  num'rous  ills  of  life  she  patient  bears, 
While  faith  looks  upward,  and  forbids  her  fears  ; 
Hope  rises  cheerful,  with  expectant  smiles, 
And  all  the  tedious  hours  of  pain  beguiles. 

Immortal  charity  improv'd  shall  shine, 
When  prophecies  and  tongues  their  pow'r  resign  ; 
When  mortal  knowledge  fails  its  glimm'ring  ray, 
Lost  in  the  blaze  of  full  etherial  day. 
Imperfect  all  we  teach,  and  all  we  know, 


OCCASIONAL    rOKMb.  £61 

In  this  frail  state,  this  little  world  below  ; 
But  when  we  reach  the  worlds  of  heav'nly  light, 
Then  shall  fair  knowledge  shine  forever  bright  ; 
Nor  the  least  shade  of  imperfection  rise 
In  all  the  blissful  regions  of  the  skies. 

When  reason  dawns  upon  the  infant  mind, 
How  low  the  thoughts  !  the  knowledge  how  confin'd  I 
But  when  th'  increasing  ray  full  vigour  gains, 
What  once  the  child  admir'd,  the  man  disdains. 
How  weak  the  best  ideas  form'd  below  ! 
The  fairest,  brightest  views  which  mortals  know, 
Like  distant  objects  in  perspective  show. 
But  when  the  bright  meridian  shall  appear, 
Our  eyes  shall  see  the  heav'nly  glories  near  ; 
These  weak,  faint  notions,  shall  forgotten  die. 
Amid  the  boundless  wonders  of  the  sky. 

Faith,  hope,  and  charity,  on  earth  remain, 
To  guide  our  steps,  and  sweeten  mortal  pain  ; 
But  lovely  charity  superior  shines, 
Till  perfect  bliss  the  sacred  flame  refines. 


TO    A   FRIEND,   ON   THE    BIRTH   OF   A 
CHILD. 

I. 

I^OME,  friendship,  tune  the  pleasing  lyre, 

For  harmony  is  thine  ; 
Philander's  joys  the  song  inspire, 

Philander's  joys  are  mine. 


262  OCCASIONAL    POEMS. 

II. 

Our  hearts,  so  late  oppress'd  with  fear, 

Forget  the  anxious  sigh  ; 
And  dawning  pleasures  naw  appear 

In  ev'ry  kindred  eye. 

III. 
Propitious  heav'n  that  smil'd  before, 

To  make  Philander  blest, 
Indulgent  sends  this  blessing  more, 

And  sweetens  all  the  rest. 
IV. 
The  dear-lov'd  blessing  while  we  view. 

And  pleasing  passions  rise, 
Be  love  and  praise,  so  justly  due, 

Paid  grateful  to  the  skies. 
V. 
With  love  supreme  be  heav'n  ador'd  ] 

Still  may  our  passions  own 
The  bounteous  giver  as  their  Lore!, 

Nor  idolize  the  boon. 


TO    THE   MOTHER. 

I. 

&AY,  while  you  press,  with  growing  love, 

The  darling  to  your  breast, 
And  all  a  mother's  pleasures  prove,. 

Are  you  entirely  blest  ? 


OCCASIONAL    POEMS.  263 

II. 

Ah,  no  !  a  thousand  tender  cares 

By  turns  your  thoughts  employ, 
Now  rising  hopes,  now  anxious  fears. 

And  grief  succeeds  to  joy. 
III. 
Dear  innocent,  her  lovely  smiles 

With  what  delight  you  view  ! 
But  every  pain  the  infant  feels, 

The  mother  feels  it  too. 
IV. 
Then  whispers  busy  cruel  fear, 

The  child,  alas,  may  die  ! 
And  nature  prompts  the  ready  tear, 

And  heaves  the  rising  sigh. 
V. 
Say,  does  not  heaven  our  comforts  mix 

With  more  than  equal  pain  ; 
To  teach  us  if  our  hearts  we  fix 

On  earth,  we  fix  in  vain  ? 
VI. 
Then  be  our  earthly  joys  resign'd, 

Since  here  we  cannot  rest  ; 
For  earthly  joys  were  ne'er  design'd 

To  make  us  fully  blest. 


264  OCCASIONAL    FOEMS.. 


THE  TULIP  AND  THE  VIOLET, 

I. 

See  yonder  gaudy  tulip  rise, 
And  to  the  sun  her  leaves  display  ; 
My  fancy  gives  her  voice  and  eyes, 
And  thus  the  boaster  seems  to  say. 

II. 
"  Queen  of  the  gay  parterre  I  reign  ; 
«  My  glowing  dyes,  how  bright  they  shine  ! 
"  The  flow'rs  unfold  their  bloom  in  vain  ; 
"  No  flow'r  has  charms  to  rival  mine. 

III. 
"  By  nature  meant  for  regal  sway, 
"  Tall  and  majestic  I  appear  ; 
"  Ye  subject  tribes,  your  queen  obey, 
"  My  high  command,  submissive  hear. 

IV. 
iJ  When  I  unfold  my  matchless  bloom, 
tt  And  to  the  noon  my  beauties  spread  ; 
u  Let  no  aspiring  flow'r  presume 
"  Near  me,  to  lift  her  abject  he^d." 

V. 
The  flow'rs  are  silent  while  she  speaks, 
And  only  blush  to  hear  her  pride- 
The  silence  now  a  Violet  breaks, 
That  crept  unheeded  near  her  side, 


vCCASiONAL    POLn 

VI. 

«  Thy  arrogance,  imperious  flow'r, 
«  To  real  worth  hath  made  thee  blind  ; 
"  Thy  vaunted  beauties  of  an  hour 
"  Are  charms  of  an  inferior  kind. 

VII. 
"  From  thee  no  fragrant  odours  breathe, 
"  No  healing  gift  thy  leaves  bestow  ; 
"  The  flow'rs  thou  view'st  with  scorn  beneath, 
"  Can  more  pretence  to  merit  show. 

VIII. 
«  The  cowslip's  virtues,  and  my  own, 
u  Let  man,  let  grateful  man  confess  ; 
<;  To  him  our  real  worth  is  known, 
"  Thee  he  admires  but  for  thy  dress.' 

IX. 
The  friendly  hint,  ye  list'ning  fair, 
Reflection  bids  the  muse  apply  ; 
Let  useful  virtues  be  your  care, 
Nor  boast  your  power  to  please  the  eye. 


CAPTIVITY. 

A-ngels,  happy  spirits,  say, 
When  you  trace  the  airy  way, 
Sent  on  messages  of  love, 
From  the  radiant  courts  above, 
Down  to  these  abodes  of  night, 
Far  from  empyrean  light  ; 

Y  VOL.    I. 


266  OCCASIONAL    POEMS. 

Say,  can  blest  immortals  know 
Sympathy  from  human  woe, 
While  you  view  the  scenes  of  pain, 
Captives  struggling  with  their  chain  ? 
Hated  chain,  that  binds  to  earth 
Spirits  of  etherial  birth  ; 
Birth  at  first  to  yours  akin, 
Now  enslav'd,  alas  !  by  sin  ; 
Cursed  sin,  the  source  of  woe, 
All  the  miseries  below 
From  the  hateful  tyrant  flow  ! 
Yet  we  bear  the  cruel  chain, 
Only  now  and  then  complain  ; 
Now  and  then,  with  mournful  eye, 
Raise  a  wish,  and  breathe  a  sigh, 
Upward  to  our  native  sky. 
But  how  soon  to  liberty, 
Cold  and  negligent  are  we, 
Sink  supine,  and  dream  of  ease  ! 
How,  alas  1  can  fetters  please  ? 
Can  we  hope  for  crowns  on  high, 
Yet  content  in  bondage  lie, 
Exiles  from  the  blest  abode, 
Far  from  glory,  far  from  God  ? 
Surely  if  the  sons  of  bliss 
Feel  a  grief,  it  must  be  this. 

O  for  one  celestial  ray 
From  the  shining  seats  of  day  ! 
Sun  of  righteousness,  arise, 
Chase  the  slumbers  from  our  eyes, 


OCCASIONAL    POEMS.  267 


Melt  the  chains  with  heavenly  fire  : 
Fervent  love  and  strong  desire 
From  thy  love  alone  begin  ; 
Thou  canst  break  the  power  of  sin  ; 
Thou  canst  bid  our  spirits  rise 
Free  and  joyful  to  the  skies  ; 
Liberty  and  joy  divine, 
Sun  of  righteousness,  are  thine. 


A   REFLECTION,   OCCASIONED   BY    THE 
DEATH  OF   A   NEIGHBOUR. 

Another  awful  warning  heaven  has  sent 

To  rouse  my  slumb'ring  soul  ; — Death  is  abroad  ; 

Close  at  my  side  he  twangs  his  deadly  bow. 

LTn erring  flies  the  shaft,  Sarissa  falls  : 

In  life's  gay  bloom  she  falls  ;  yet  I  am  spar'd  ! 

But  wherefore  this  indulgence  ?     Gracious  God, 

By  this  new  admonition,  teach  my  heart 

How  precious  are  the  swiftly-flying  hours 

Which  I  supinely  waste  !    arouse,  my  soul, 

Why  wilt  thou  sleep  upon  this  sea-beat  shore, 

When  the  next  wave  may  whelm  thee  in  the  deep, 

Th*  unfathom'd  deep  of  vast  eternity  ? 

Eternity,  to  pure  and  holy  souls 
Joy's  boundless  ocean,  ever  calm  and  clear, 
Where  all  the  streams  of  lasting  pleasure  meet  ! 
But  to  the  sinner  'tis  the  dark  abyss 


368  OCCASIONAL    POEMS. 

Of  black  despair,  where  all  the  waves  of  horror, 

Beyond  what  nature  ever  felt  or  fear'd, 

Incessant  beat  ;  and  not  a  ray  of  hope 

Breaks  through  the  tenfold  night  to  cheer  the  gloom. 

But  tempest,  everlasting  tempest,  roars. 

How  my  soul  shudders  at  the  view  !« 

Where  am  I  ?     O  for  help,  immediate  help  ! 
Some  angel  snatch  me  from  the  dreadful  brink  ! 
Some  angel  !  no, — omnipotence  descends 
On  mercy's  wing  :  behold  the  Saviour  God  ! 
His  arms  are  wide-extended  ;  see,  my  soul, 
Thy  only  refuge  !  his  almighty  love 
Dispels  my  fears,  while  here  I  fix  my  trust. 
Almighty  love,  thou  art  the  fountain-head 
Of  all  the  joys,  which  swell  th'  unbounded  sea 

Of  bliss  immortal  ! Jesus,  am  I  safe  ? 

And  art  thou  mine,  my  Lord,  my  life,  my  all  ? 
O  speak  th'  assuring  word,  and  I  am  blest  ! 
Death  shall  resign  his  terrors  ;  let  him  strike, 
Encircled  in  thy  arms  I'm  safe  for  ever, 
For  thy  eternity  of  joy  is  mine. 


ON   THE   DEATH   OF   MR.   HERVEY. 

I. 

O  Hervey,  honoured  name,  forgive  the  tear, 
That  mourns  thy  exit  from  a  world  like  this  ; 
Forgive  the  wish  that  would  have  kept  thee  here, 
Fond  wish  !  have  kept  thee  from  the  seats  of  bliss. 


OCCASIONAL    POEMS.  269 

II. 

No  more  confin'd  to  these  low  scenes  of  night, 
Pent  in  a  feeble  tenement  of  clay  : 
Should  we  not  rather  hail  thy  glorious  flight, 
And  trace  thy  journey  to  the  realms  of  day  I 

III. 
The  blissful  realms,  where  thy  lov'd  master  reigns, 
Who  taught  thy  pen  its  eloquence  divine  j 
Whose  presence  now  inspires  to  loftier  strains, 
While  all  unveil'd  his  boundless  glories  shine. 

IV. 
Now  the  celestial  flame  that  warm'd  thy  breast, 
And  through  thy  heav'n-taught  page  resplendent  shone, 
Exalted  joins  the  transports  of  the  blest 
In  language  ev*n  to  thee  on  earth  unknown. 

V. 
Yes,  we  resign  thee  to  thy  Saviour  God  ; 
O  may  his  love,  that  taught  thy  feet  the  way, 
Conduct  our  steps  to  that  divine  abode, 
Where  his  full  glories  beam  eternal  day  ! 

VI. 
Yet  its  own  loss  must  every  heart  deplore, 
That  feels  the  power  of  Hervey's  moving  page, 
That  wish'd,  (but  ah,  that  wish  avails  no  more  !) 
His  life  prolong'd  to  bless  the  rising  age, 

VII. 
O  lost  to  earth  ! — no,  in  his  works  he  lives, 
Here  shall  the  rising  age  his  portrait  view  ; 
Here  his  own  pen  the  mind's  bright  image  gives^ 
In  fairer  tints  than  painting  ever  knew. 
Y  2 


2T0  OCCASIONAL    POEMS. 

VIII. 

His  warm  benevolence,  his  sacred  zeal, 
O  may  some  blest,  surviving  prophet  find  ! 
Like  him  who  caught  the  mantle  as  it  fell, 
Heir  to  the  graces  of  Elijah's  mind. 

IX. 
While  thus  a  stranger  muse  presents  the  lay 
To  Hervey's  mem'ry  due,  to  grace  his  urn 
Let  friendship  more  distinguish'd  honours  pay, 
\nd  teach  the  world  departed  worth  to  mourn. 


INGRATITUDE   REPROVED. 

I. 

x  e  warblers  of  the  vernal  shade, 
Whose  artless  music  charms  my  ear, 
Your  lively  songs  my  heart  upbraid, 
My  languid  heart  how  insincere  ! 
While  all  your  little  powers  collected,  raise 
A  tribute  to  your  great  Creator's  praise, 
II. 
Ye  lovely  offspring  of  the  ground, 
Flowers  of  a  thousand  beauteous  dyes, 
You  spread  your  Maker's  glory  round, 
And  breathe  your  odours  to  the  skies  : 
Unsully'd  you  display  your  lively  bloom, 
Unmingled  you  present  your  sweet  perfume 


OCCASIONAL    POEMS.  2Tl 

III. 

Ye  winds,  that  waft  the  fragrant  spring, 

You  whisp'ring  spread  his  name  abroad, 

Or  shake  the  air  with  sounding  wing, 

And  speak  the  awful  power  of  God  : 
His  will,  with  swift  obedience,  you  perform, 
Or  in  the  gentle  gale,  or  dreadful  storm. 
IV. 

Ye  radiant  orbs,  that  guide  the  day, 

Or  deck  the  saMe  veil  of  night  ; 

His  wond'rous  glory  you  display, 

Whose  hand  imparts  your  useful  light  : 
Your  constant  task,  unweary'd,  you  pursue, 
Nor  deviate  from  the  path  your  Maker  drew. 
V. 

My  God,  shall  ev'ry  creature  join 

In  praises  to  thy  glorious  name, 

And  this  ungrateful  heart  of  mine 

Refuse  the  universal  theme  ? 
Well  may  the  stars  and  winds,  the  birds  and  fiow'rs, 
Reprove  the  heart  that  brings  not  all  its  pow'rs. 
VI. 

Thy  grace  this  languid  heart  can  raise, 

These  dissipated  pow'rs  unite, 

Can  bid  me  pay  my  debt  of  praise 

With  love  sincere,  and  true  delight  ; 
O  let  thy  grace  inspire  my  heart,  my  tongue  ! 
Then  shall  I  grateful  join  creation's  song. 


272  OCCASIONAL    POEMb, 


SUBMISSION     TO     GOD     UNDER     AFFLIC- 
TION,  AND  DESIRING  SUPPORT. 

Cjtreat  God,  I  own  thy  justice,  while  beneath 
The  stroke  of  thy  chastising  rod  I  bend  ; 
Nor  dares  this  wretched,  guilty  heart  repine. 
Far  less  I  feel  than  merit,  ev'ry  stroke 
How  gentle  !  smiling  mercy  breaks  its  force, 
And  soft  it  lights,  nor  gives  a  fatal  wound. 
O  let  my  soul  the  wond'rous  pow'r  confess 
Of  sovereign  mercy,  and  adore  the  hand, 
Whose  just  rebukes,  with  kind  indulgence  mix'd, 
Are  meant  to  teach,  reclaim,  and  guide  my  feet, 
Too  apt  to  rove,  forgetful  of  the  way, 
Forgetful  of  the  end.     A  crown  of  life, 
Of  life  immortal,  is  the  glorious  prize, 
(Free  gift  of  boundless  grace  !)  which  in  the  view 
Of  faith  and  humble  love  thy  word  displays  ; 
Obtain'd  by  sufferings  which  amaz'd  the  world  : 
And  shall  I  seek  it  coldly  ?    gracious  God, 
Awake  my  languid  pow'rs  to  active  life. 
Awake  my  faith  and  hope,  and  love  and  zeal, 
And  make  me  ardent  run  the  glorious  race. 
Pow'r  to  the  faint  thy  sacred  word  assures, 
And  strength  increasing  ;  be  that  gracious  word 
Fulfill'd  to  me  unworthy  !     If  thy  hand, 
O  ever  wise  and  good,  should  justly  deal 


OCCASIONAL    TOEMS.  871 

Severer  strokes,  still  let  my  soul  behold  thee, 

Not  as  an  angry  judge,  vindictive,  frowning, 

But  as  a  tender  father,  who  corrects 

In  mercy,  list'ning  to  the  humble  moan 

Of  penitential  sorrow.     Were  my  fears 

To  measure  suff'rings  by  my  just  desert, 

Dreadful  expectance  !  what  a  scene  of  woe  I 

The  dearest  comfort,  ev'ry  joy  of  life, 

Would  quickly  take  its  everlasting  flight, 

And  leave  me  desolate,  forlorn,  undone. 

Hut  what  are  earthly  joys  ?    has  not  my  heart 

Ungrateful  forfeited  far  more  than  these  ? 

Should  earthly  joys  forsake  me,  should  my  friends. 

My  much-lov'd  friends,  by  death's  resistless  hand 

Kent  from  my  bleeding,  agonizing  heart, 

Leave  me  a  miserable  mourner  here  ; 

Yet,  O  my  God,  if  I  may  call  thee  mine  ; 

Amid  the  scene  of  terror,  if  my  faith 

Look  up  and  say,  My  father,  and  my  friend  ; 

The  blissful  sounds  will  cheer  my  fainting  soul 

With  peace  divine,  and  recompence  the  loss 

Of  all  that  life  can  give,  or  death  destroy. 

And  was  not  once  this  heavenly  blessing  mine, 

Diffusing  comfort  through  my  grateful  heart, 

Inspiring  wonder,  praise,  and  humble  love  ? 

It  was  ;    but  soon  the  sacred  ardour  sunk 

To  cold  indiff'rence.     Should  heavenly  love 

Offended  leave  me  to  the  punishment 

My  guilt  and  vile  ingratitude  deserves, 

Despair  would  soon  his  gloomy  curtains  draw, 

Each  distant  beam  of  cheering  hope  exclude, 


274  OCCASIONAL    POEMS. 

And  shade  my  soul  in  everlasting  night. 

But  oh,  th'  amazing  power  of  love  divine  ! 

Unlimited  it  pardons  !  justice  pleas'd, 

On  mercy  smiles  ;  for  lo,  the  Saviour's  blood 

Atones  and  cleanses  every  guilty  stain  ! 

'Tis  this,  O  gracious  God,  dispels  my  fears, 

Revives  my  hopes  ;  in  this  unbounded  sea 

Let  all  my  sins,  and  all  my  doubts  be  lost. 

Lord,  when  this  roving  heart  again  forgets 

Its  duty  and  its  bliss,  let  grace  reclaim  ; 

And  though  thy  awful  hand  chastising  strike, 

Let  love  support  me,  and  beneath  thy  frown 

O  may  paternal  tenderness  appear. 

Then  shall  I  patient  bear  thy  just  rebukes, 

And  wait  resign'd  and  penitent,  in  hope 

Of  bliss  returning  in  the  smile  of  mercy. 

Then,  though  this  mortal  frame  by  slow  degrees. 

In  lingering  years  of  pain  should  wear  away  ; 

Or  pungent  griefs,  too  mighty,  burst  at  once 

The  vital  strings  ;  or  fatal  accident 

Wing,  swift  and  unforewarn'd,  the  silent  shaft 

To  set  my  spirit  free  ;  if  I  am  thine, 

To  thy  blest  will,  my  God,  I  would  submit, 

Sure  to  be  happy  !     Time  is  but  a  point, 

And  mortal  pains  or  joys  are  light  as  air, 

When  vast  eternity  is  full  in  view. 


OCCASIONAL    POEMS. 


PLEASURE. 


I. 

How  vain  a  thought  is  bliss  below  ! 

'Tis  all  an  airy  dream  ! 
How  empty  are  the  joys  that  flow 

On  pleasure's  smiling  stream  ! 
II. 
Now  gaily-painted  bubbles  rise 

With  varied  colours  bright  ! 
They  break,  the  short  amusement  flies- 
Can  this  be  call'd  delight  ? 
III. 
Transparent  now,  and  all  serene, 

The  gentle  current  flows  : 
While  fancy  draws  the  flattering  scene, 

How  fair  the  landscape  shows  ! 
IV. 
But  soon  its  transient  charms  decay, 

When  ruffling  tempests  blow  ; 
The  soft  delusions  fleet  away, 

And  pleasure  ends  in  woe. 
V. 
Why  do  I  here  expect  repose  ? 

Or  seek  for  bliss  in  vain  ? 
Since  every  pleasure  earth  bestows, 

Is  but  dissembled  pain. 


276  OCCASIONAL    POEMS. 

VI. 

O  let  my  nobler  wishes  soar 

Beyond  these  seats  of  night  ; 
In  heaven  substantial  bliss  explore, 

And  permanent  delight  ! 
VII. 
There  pleasure  flows  forever  clear  ; 

And  rising  to  the  view 
Such  dazzling  scenes  of  joy  appear 

As  fancy  never  drew. 

VIII. 
No  fleeting  landscape  cheats  the  gaze. 

Nor  airy  form  beguiles  ; 
But  everlasting  bliss  displays 

Her  undissembled  smiles. 
IX. 
Adieu  to  all  below  the  skies, 

Celestial  guardian,  come  ! 
On  thy  kind  wing  my  soul  would  rise 

To  her  eternal  home. 


THE  PILGRIM. 

In  this  dark  wilderness  of  pain  and  woe 
I  wander  mournful  ;  oft  my  upward  glance 
Implores  a  cheering  ray  to  guide  my  feet, 
Fearful,  and  trembling  at  surrounding  snares 
Which  lurk  unseen  :  and  oft  I  long  for  rest, 
But  long  in  vain  ;  for  ah,  no  safe  repose 


OCCASIONAL    rbTLUi 

This  iand  of  danger  yields  !  Then  Jet  my  eyes 

Look  upward  still  to  those  divine  abodes 

Of  light  and  joy,  whence  danger  is  excluded. 

And  thither  let  my  panting  heart  aspire 

With  ardent  hope  ! — 'Tis  but  to  wait  with  patience 

A  few  sad  hours,  a  few  more  painful  steps, 

And  life's  fatiguing  pilgrimage  is  o'er. 

Soon  will  my  weary  eyelids  close  in  death, 

And  these  poor  feeble  limbs  sink  down  to  rest 

In  the  cold  bosom  of  the  silent  grave. 

O  could  I  with  unshaken  hope  declare, 
Then  should  my  nobler  pow'rs  awake  to  life, 
To  life  and  joy  immortal  !  happy  hour  ! 
Transporting  moment  !  when  eternal  day 
First  breaks  upon  my  sight  !  what  sweet  surprize  ! 
What  boundless  rapture  !  darkness,  pain  and  death 
BanishM  at  once  !  and  everlasting  light 
In  full  meridian  glory  beaming  round  I 
Joys  rising  bright  and  new,  in  long  succession, 
To  set  no  more  !  and  shall  my  weary  spirit 
Which  wanders  now  depress'd  with  sin  and  woe,) 
Rise  to  this  glory  ?     O  my  gracious  God, 
Guide  of  my  life,  and  guardian  of  my  soul, 
To  thee  I  breathe  my  supplicating  sigh  : 
Brighten  my  glirnrri'rfng  hope,  dispel  the  clouds 
Of  gloomy  fear,  which  hang  upon  my  sight 
Heavy  and  sad  ;  let  thy  reviving  smile, 
(Fair  dawn  of  glory  !)  cheer  my  fainting  heart  ; 
Till  all  the  sorrows,  all  the  puins  of  time, 
Appear  as  trifles  in  the  blissful  view 
Z         vox.,  i. 


'27S  OCCASIONAL    POEMS. 

Of  immortality,  of  endless  joys 
Incessant  flowing  from  the  throne  of  God. 
Then  shall  I  wait  serene,  with  steady  faith 
And  glad  expectance,  that  auspicious  hour, 
When  death,  kind  angel,  shall  convey  my  soul 
To  light  and  life,  to  happiness  and  God. 


WROTE   IN    AN   ILL    STATE   OF   HEALTH 
IN   THE    SPRING. 

Inclement  winter  now  resigns  his  pow'r, 
And  gentle  spring  begins  her  placid  reign. 
The  sun,  with  genial  warmth,  awakes  to  life 
The  herbs  and  flowers,  whose  soft  distilling  rains 
His  kindly  influence  aid,  and  clothe  the  fields 
With  springing  verdure  ;  to  the  industrious  swain 
The  pleasing  promise  of  a  plenteous  harvest. 
The  trees,  long  stripp'd  of  all  their  leafy  honours, 
Shoot  out  anew,  and  with  the  charming  season 
Advancing  still,  unfold  their  annual  beauties. 
All  nature  smiles  ! — But  I,  alas,  am  sad  ! 

In  vain,  the  woods  and  fields  resume  their  charms  I 
In  vain  the  feather'd  warblers  tune  their  songs  ! 
To  me  'tis  all  a  blank !  untouch'd  my  soul 
With  nature's  harmony  !  my  eyes,  uncharm'd 
With  all  her  beauties,  cannot  find  a  joy 
In  the  once  lovely,  once  delightful  scene  ! 
A  gloom  of  sadness  hangs  upon  my  spirits- 


OCCASIONAL    POEMS.  279 

And  prompts  the  frequent  sigh  and  silent  tear. 
Depressed  by  pain  and  sickness,  all  my  powers 
Are  dull  and  languid,  every  joy  is  tasteless  ; 
All  nature  fades,  and  pleasure  is  no  more  ! 

Ah  !  what  is  life,  so  lov'd,  so  dearly  priz'd, 
If  health  be  absent  ?    'tis  a  ling'ring  night 
Of  tedious  expectation,  spent  in  sighs, 
And  restless  wishes  for  the  cheerful  dawn. 

Thus  melancholy  tun'd  the  mourning  lay  : 
The  cheerful  muse  withdrawn,  the  gloomy  pow'r, 
Usurp'd  her  lyre,  and  chang'd  its  soothing  notes 
For  sounds  of  woe  ;  dark  clouds  oppressive  hung 
Around  her  seat,  and  spread  their  deep'ning  shade 
Till  ev'ry  pleasing  object  sunk  in  night. 
Ah  1  where  is  faith  ?  her  heav'n-illumin'd  eye 
Could  pierce  the  mental  night,  could  raise  the  mind 
Which  sinks  dejected,  and  beyond  the  gloom 
Direct  to  fairer  scenes  :    come,  guest  divine, 
O  come,  and  in  thy  train,  let  fortitude 
Her  useful  succours  bring,  and  meek-ey'd  patience, 
And  smiling  hope,  and  sweet  content  appear. 
And  let  my  heart  with  calm  submission  wait 
Heaven's  destin'd  time,  to  hail  the  glad  return 
Of  health,  the  best  and  sweetest  earthly  blessing. 

Then  shall  the  muse  her  long-neglected  strain 
Resume  ;  and,  by  each  heav'n-born  guest  inspired, 
With  grateful  rapture  tune  the  votive  song 
To  that  almighty  goodness,  which  bestows 


80  OCCASIONAL    POEMS. 

Its  gifts  unmeasur'd,  undeserved,  on  me. 
Nor  let  the  grateful  rapture  be  confin'd  j 
Since  o'er  the  whole  creation  wide  diffus'd, 
Divine  beneficence  unbounded  smiles, 
Vnd  claims  the  tribute  of  unbounded  praise 


RECOVERY    FROM    SICKNESS. 

.A. wake  my  heart,  arise  my  joyful  pow'rs, 
Tn  songs  of  gratitude,  and  love,  and  praise, 
To  God,  the  great  deliverer's  holy  name  ! 
To  God,  my  strength,  my  all-sufficient  refuge, 
Whose  pow'rful  hand  sustain'd  my  feeble  frame, 
Through  all  the  tiresome  scenes  of  pain  and  sickness, 
And  rais'd  me  from  the  borders  of  the  grave. 

Death  frown'd  severe,  and  all  the  prospect  round 
Was  dark  ;  with  scarce  a  ray  of  glimm'ring  light 
To  point  my  view  beyond  the  sable  veil  ! 
Almighty  goodness  saw,  with  pitying  eye, 
My  deep  distress  ;  my  groans,  and  long  complaints, 
And  sorrows  reach'd  the  ear  of  heavenly  mercy. 
My  God  attended  to  the  humble  pray'r, 
The  mournful  breathings  of  a  helpless  worm, 

And  sent  divine  supports. 

The  consolations  of  his  sacred  word 

Bore  up  my  fainting  spirit  ;  rays  of  hope 

Broke  through  the  shades  of  death,  and  bid  my  soul 

Look  up,  and  view  her  heav'nly  Father's  hand, 


OCCASIONAL    POEMS.  281 

And  bear  his  just  rebukes,  and  patient  wait 

His  sov'reign  will  !  then  smiling  comfort  dfrirn'd, 

And  hush'd  my  sorrows  to  a  peaceful  calm. 

A  lather's  kind  indulgent  care  appear'd, 

And  while  his  rod  chastis'd,  his  arm  sustain'd. 

At  length  fair  health  with  cheerful  aspect  comes  : 
Hail  long-desir'd,  delightful,  welcome  guest  ! 
Gift  of  indulgent  heaven  !  inspir'd  by  thee, 
Source  of  a  thousand  joys,  my  full  heart  pants 
To  pour  the  transport  in  a  song  of  praise, 
A  grateful  tribute  to  th'  almighty  donor. 

But  ah  !  my  voice  unequal  to  my  wishes, 
Forbids  th'  attempt,  and  damps  the  rising  ardour. 
Would  the  same  pow'r  which  rais'd  my  sinking  frame, 
Brought  back  declining  health,  and  bid  me  live, 
Inspire  the  lay,  and  teach  my  song  to  flow 
Harmonious  to  his  wond'rous  healing  mercy  ! 
Then  should  my  tongue,  with  joyful  rapture  fir'd, 
Begin  the  pleasing  theme,  and  sing  unwearied 
Thy  mercy,  and  thy  pow'r,  all-bounteous  Lord, 
Forever  good,  beneficent,  and  kind  ! 

But  oh  !  what  tongue  can  speak,  what  heart  conceive 
Almighty  goodness  ?     Infinitely  short 
The  highest  notes  a  mortal  voice  can  raise 
Must  fall  !     As  well  I  fondly  might  presume 
To  count  the  endless  train  of  shining  lamps 
Which  deck  the  azure  canopy  of  heav'n, 
My  gracious  God,  as  thy  unnumber'd  mercies 
Z2 


282  OCCASIONAL    POEMS. 

O  may  thy  goodness,  thy  indulgent  love, 

Forever  dwell  upon  my  thankful  heart, 

And  teach  my  future  life  to  speak  thy  praise. 


A    RURAL    MEDITATION. 

W  hat  soft  delight  the  peaceful  bosom  warms; 
When  nature,  drest  in  all  her  vernal  charms, 
Around  the  beauteous  landscape  smiles  serene, 
And  crowns  with  every  gift  the  lovely  scene  ! 
In  ev'ry  gift  the  donor  shines  confest, 
And  heav'nly  bounty  cheers  the  grateful  breast. 
Now  lively  verdure  paints  the  laughing  meads, 
And  o'er  the  fields  wide-waving  plenty  spreads. 
Here  woodbines  climb,  dispensing  odours  round  ; 
There  smiles  the  pink,  with  humble  beauties  crown'd  ; 
And  while  the  flowers  their  various  charms  disclose, 
Queen  of  the  garden,  shines  the  blushing  rose. 
The  fragrant  tribes  display  their  sweetest  bloom, 
And  every  breezy  whisper  breathes  perfume. 

But  this  delightful  season  must  decay  ; 
The  year  rolls  on,  and  steals  its  charms  away. 
How  swift  the  gaily  transient  pleasure  flies  ! 
Stern  winter  comes,  and  ev'ry  beauty  dies. 
The  fleeting  bliss  while  pensive  thought  deplores, 
The  mind  in  search  of  nobler  pleasure  soars  ; 
And  seeks  a  fairer  paradise  on  high, 
Where  beauties  rise  and  bloom,  that  never  die. 


OCCASIONAL    POEMfe  283 

There  winter  ne'er  invades  with  hostile  arms, 
But  everlasting  spring  displays  her  charms  : 
Celestial  fragrance  fills  the  blest  retreats, 
Unknown  to  earth  in  all  her  flow'ry  sweets. 
Enraptur'd  there  the  mind  unwearied  roves 
Through  flow'ry  paths,  and  ever-verdant  groves  : 
Such  blissful  groves  not  happy  Eden  knew, 
Nor  fancy's  boldest  pencil  ever  drew. 
No  sun,  departing,  leaves  the  scene  to  mourn 
In  shades,  and  languish  for  his  kind  return  ; 
Or  with  short  visits  cheers  the  wintry  hours, 
And  faintly  smiles  on  nature's  drooping  pow'rs. 
But  there  the  Deity  himself  displays 
The  bright  effulgence  of  his  glorious  rays  ; 
Immortal  life  and  joy  his  smile  bestows, 
And  boundless  bliss  for  ever,  ever  flows. 


SOLITUDE. 

Softly-pleasing  Solitude, 
Were  thy  blessings  understood  ; 
Soon  would  thoughtless  mortals  grow 
Tir'd  of  noise,  and  pomp,  and  show  ; 
And  with  thee  retreating,  gain 
Pleasure  crowds  pursue  in  vain. 
True,  the  friendly  social  mind 
Joy  in  converse  oft  can  find  ; 
Not  where  empty  mirth  presides, 
But  with  those  whom  wisdom  guides. 


284 


OCCASIONAL    POEMS. 


Yet  the  long-continued  feast 
Sometimes  palls  upon  the  taste  : 
Kind  alternate,  then  to  be 
Lost  in  thought  awhile  with  thee. 
Intellectual  pleasures  here 
In  their  truest  light  appear  ; 
Grave  reflection,  friendly  power, 
Waits  the  lonely  silent  hour  : 
Spread  before  the  mental  eye, 
Actions  past  in  order  lie  ; 
By  reflection's  needful  aid 
Latent  errors  are  display 'd  : 
Thus  humility  is  taught, 
Thus  confirm'd  the  better  thought. 
Friends  and  soothing  praise  apart, 
Solitude  unveils  the  heart ; 
When  the  veil  is  thrown  aside, 
Can  we  see  a  cause  for  pride  ? 
Empty  is  the  heart  and  poor, 
Stripp'd  of  all  its  fancy'd  store  ; 
Conscious  want  awakes  desire, 
Bids  the  restless  wish  aspire, 
Wish  for  riches  never  found 
Through  the  globe's  capacious  round. 
Contemplation,  sacred  guest, 
Now  inspires  the  ardent  breast, 
Spreads  her  wing,  and  bids  the  mind 
Rise  and  leave  the  world  behind. 
Now  the  mind  enraptur'd  soars  ; 
All  the  wealth  of  India's  shores 
Is  but  dust  beneath  her  eye  ; 


OCCASIONAL    POEMS. 


Nobler  treasures  kept  on  high. 
Treasures  of  eternal  joy, 
Now  her  great  pursuit  employ. 
Mansions  of  immense  delight  ! 
Language  cannot  say  how  blight  ! 
See  !  the  op'ning  gates  display 
Beaming  for,  immortal  day  ! 
See  !  inviting  angels  smile, 
And  applaud  the  glorious  toil  1 
Hark  !  they  tune  the  charming  lyre  ; 
Who  can  hear  and  not  desire  ? 
O  the  sweet,  though  distant  strain  ! 
All  the  joys  of  earth  how  vain  1 
Nearer  fain  the  mind  would  rise, 
Fain  would  gaze  with  eager  eyes 
On  the  glories  of  the  skies ; 
But  mortality  denies. 
Dusky  vapours  cloud  her  sight, 
Down  she  sinks  to  earth  and  night  ; 
Then  to  friendship  calls  again, 
Gentle  solace  of  her  pain  : 
Friendship,  with  thy  pleasing  power. 
Come  and  cheer  the  mournful  hour  ; 
Only  solitude  and  thee 
Can  afford  a  iov  for  me. 


286  OCCASIONAL    POEMS. 


TO   MR.   HERVEY,  ON    HIS   THERON   AND 
ASPASIO. 

I. 

KJ  sent  by  heaven  to  teach  the  Saviour's  praise, 
And  bid  our  hearts  with  pure  devotion  glow  ! 
Truth  shines  around  thee  with  distinguish'd  rays, 
And  all  the  graces  in  thy  language  flow. 

II. 
Here  beauteous  landscapes  spread  their  various  charms, 
The  mind  inspiring  with  delight  serene  ; 
With  pleasing  power  while  sacred  friendship  warms, 
And  blest  religion  crowns  the  lovely  scene. 

III. 
Now  deeply  humbled,  self-abas'd,  we  read 
The  abject  state  of  Adam's  wretched  race  ; 
Now  smiling  hope  lifts  up  her  cheerful  head, 
And  faith  adores  immeasurable  grace. 

IV. 
What  glories  in  our  great  Immanuel  shine  ! 
How  rich,  how  free,  how  full  his  merits  rise  ! 
The  curse  remov'd,  fulfill'd  the  law  divine  ; 
For  rebels  he  obeys,  for  traitors  dies. 

V. 
His  righteousness,  immortal  robe,  he  gives 
To  clothe  the  naked  ;  while  his  flowing  blood 
Pours  healing  balm5  the  wounded  sinner  lives 
To  speak  the  honours  of  the  Saviour  God. 


OCCASIONAL    POEMS.  287 

VI. 

In  him,  what  countless,  endless  wonders  meet ! 
Truth,  justice,  mercy,  reconcil'd  appear  : 
His  name,  how  precious  !  how  divinely  sweet  ! 
Joy  to  the  heart,  and  music  to  the  ear. 

VII. 
O  Hervey,  be  thy  pleasing  labours  crown 'd 
With  bliss  beyond  the  low  rewards  of  fame  ! 
Such  joy  be  thine,  as  thy  Aspasio  found, 
While  many  a  Theron  owns  the  Saviour's  name. 


THE   PICTURE  ;    TO    MARINDA. 

JMarinda's  temper,  open  and  sincere, 
Despis'd  the  little,  the  dissembling  arts 
Which  often  smooth  the  supple  fawner's  brow, 
While  hate  and  stormy  mischief  brood  within. 
In  friendship  honest — nor  profess'd  esteem, 
But  when  her  heart  accorded  with  her  tongue. 
She  knew,  by  reason  and  reflection  taught, 
How  vain  the  pleasures  which  the  gay  admire  ; 
Her  judgment  bade  her  prize  intrinsic  worth 
Above  the  low  parade  of  outward  show. 
But  then  a  warmth,  impatient  of  control, 
Would  often  rise  and  break  her  inward  peace. 
She  knew,  and  cali'd  it  pride,  and  strove  to  mend 
The  fault  acknowledg'd  ;  but,  alas  !  in  vain. 
Though  reason  said,  "  Content  is  earthly  bliss  ; 
>'  And  patience  and  humility  prepare 


288  OCCASIONAL    POEMS. 

"  Her  peaceful  lodging  in  the  human  breast." 

Yet  to  attain  these  graces  reason  fails  ; 

Till  blest  religion,  heavenly  form,  appears  ! 

A  form  no  human  pencil  ever  drew 

In  equal  colours  !  on  her  head  a  crown 

Emits  a  lustre  like  the  rising  morn  ! 

See  in  her  hand  the  sacred  book  of  truth  I 

Which  she  unfolding,  now  with  heaven-taught  skill 

Points  out  the  needful  precept,  now  displays 

The  cheering  promise  of  almighty  aid  : 

Nor  less  than  aid  almighty  can  sustain 

The  fainting  mind  ;  for  lo,  affliction  comes  ! 

Nor  comes  undreaded  ;  though  Marinda  oft 

Had  seen  the  frowning  form,  yet  ne'er  till  now 

Array'd  in  half  its  terrors  ;  now  it  spreads 

A  more  than  midnight  shade  ;  ten  thousand  fears 

Torment  the  restless  scene  !     Marinda  sinks, 

O'erwhelm'd  and  fainting  with  extreme  distress, 

Yet  struggling  with  her  sorrow  :    "  O  for  help," 

She  sighs,  nor  sighs  in  vain  to  pitying  heaven. 

Two  nyrnphs  divine,  of  blest  religion's  train, 

Are  sent  to  cheer  the  heart-oppressing  gloom  ; 

And  these  can  cheer  when  human  pity  mourns. 

And  sympathizing  friendship  weeps  in  vain. 

Hope  whispers  comfort  ;  and  a  lucid  ray 

Breaks  through  the  solid  night  :    Now  Faith  applies 

The  sacred  optic,  and  Marinda's  eye, 

Through  the  dark  clouds  of  mortal  grief,  beholds 

A  power  omnipotent,  and  wise,  and  good, 

Dispensing  with  parental  tender  care, 

Her  needful  pyinp,  her  salutary  griefs, 


OCCASIONAL     POX 

As  kind  preparatives  for  future  joy. 

Her  present  woes,  when  weigh'd  with  future  joy, 

How  light  !  when  measur'd  with  eternal  bliss 

They  seem  contracted  to  a  moment's  point. 

Before  the  bright'ning  prospect,  proud  impatience 

Retreats  asham'd  :  and  now  the  gentle  pair 

Humility  and  Patience,  pleasing  guests, 

Sure  harbingers  of  sweet  content,  appear. 

O  may  the  gentle  pair  propitious  tarry, 

And  may  divine  Content,  by  them  invited, 

Attend  Marinda's  dwelling,  till  this  house 

Of  feeble  texture  falls  ;  till  heaven  unfolds 

Its  shining  gates  to  her  transported  eyes  ; 

And  angels,  with  triumphant  songs,  proclaim 

Her  blissful  welcome  to  the  realms  of  joy. 


RETIREMENT   AXD    MEDITATION. 

IVind  Solitude,  I  love  thy  friendly  shade  ; 
Reflection  hither  bring  her  needful  aid. 
Tis  here  I  trace  past  thoughts  and  errors  o'er, 
And  learn  to  know  my  weakness,  and  deplore. 
All  1  would  the  seiious,  sad  compunction  last. 
And  teach  to  mend  the  future  by  the  past. 
'Tis  here  I  see  how  empty,  light,  and  vain, 
Is  gay  amusement  with  her  idle  train. 
And  busy  care,  which  fills  the  restless  heart, 
With  real,  though  with  unavailing  smart, 
Is  no  less  vain  ;  for  sail  her  toils  renew, 

A;t  vol..  I. 


290  OCCASIONAL    TOEMS. 

And  still  some  farther  task  remains  to  do. 

Time  nor  for  trifling,  nor  for  business  stays  ; 

He  shakes  his  glass,  and  counts  the  shortening  days. 

And  see  the  ebbing  sands,  how  fast  they  run  ! 

How  soon  the  little  remnant  will  be  done  ! 

Shall  vanity  employ  my  precious  hours  ? 

Or  earth's  low  cares  engross  my  active  powers  ? 

For  nobler  ends  my  time  and  powers  are  given, 

Nor  cares  nor  pleasures  fit  the  soul  for  heaven. 

And  can  I  hope  to  reach  that  blissful  place  ? 

Yet  sleep  supine,  or  linger  in  the  race. 

Alas,  my  heedless  heart,  how  apt  to  stray, 

When  earthly  trifles  tempt  my  thoughts  away  ! 

All  my  celestial  hopes  on  God  depend  ; 
His  smile  my  life,  his  favour  is  my  end. 
How  little  do  I  know,  or  love  his  name  ! 
And  yet  to  spirits  of  immortal  frame, 
Knowledge  is  food,  and  love  the  vital  flame. 

What  is  the  business  and  the  joy  above, 
But  this,  to  know,  to  worship,  and  to  love  ? 
For  this,  my  pow'rs  were  giv'n  ;  this  great  employ 
Should  be  my  ardent  wish  my  constant  joy. 
How  shall  I  know  him  ?  all  his  works  declare 
Their  Maker's  name  ;  heav'n,  earth,  and  sea,  and  air, 
Confess  the  great,  the  wise,  the  pow'ful  God  ; 
And  nature  joins  to  spread  his  praise  abroad. 
But  yet  at  awful  distance  I  adore, 
For  he  is  holy  :  his  tremendous  pow'r, 
His  dreadful  justice — oh,  how  fierce  thy  blaze  ! 


OCCASIONAL    POEMS.  291 

And  prostrate  sinners  tremble,  while  they  praise. 
Kow  shall  I  know  and  love  him  ?    In  his  word 
Appears  the  gracious,  kind,  forgiving  Lord  I 

0  let  me  trace  the  heavenly  transcript  o'er, 

And  learn  to  know  and  serve,  and  love  him  more. 
'Tis  here,  his  brightest,  sweetest  glories  shine, 
In  Jesus'  face,  how  lovely  !  how  divine  ! 
Here  mercy  smiles,  and  with  resistless  charms 
Invites  the  sinner  to  the  Saviour's  arms. 
Here  wonders  rise,  and  all  my  thoughts  transcend, 
Justice  appeas'd,  almighty  power  my  friend    ; 
Forgiveness,  peace,  and  free  access  to  God, 
And  life,  and  glory  through  a  Saviour's  blood  ! 

Lord,  when  these  blissful  wonders  I  explore, 

1  long  to  know,  and  love,  and  praise  thee  more. 

In  these  blest  moments  fain  my  thoughts  would  rise, 
Lose  this  dull  earth,  nor  rest  below  the  skies  ; 
Those  happy  seats  of  knowledge,  love,  and  joy, 
Where  every  pleasing  power  finds  sweet  employ  ; 
Where  praise  and  love,  in  everlasting  songs, 
Rise  ardent  from  ten  thousand  thousand  tongues. 
For  Jesus  and  salvation,  charming  theme, 
Inspires  the  strain,  and  feeds  th'  immortal  flame. 
O  how  my  panting  spirit  longs  to  join 
The  sacred  choir  in  extasies  divine  ! 
But  ah  !  this  load  of  clay  retards  my  flight  : 
When  shall  I  reach  those  mansions  of  delight  ? 
Short  is  the  transport,  soon  my  fears  arise, 
And  snatch  the  lovely  prospect  from  my  eyes. 
Should  I  be  banish'd  from  that  blest  abode, 


-92  -  OCCASIONAL    POEMS. 

And  never,  never  see  my  Saviour  God, 

(My  saviour  God  !  for  O  my  trembling  heart 

From  those  reviving  accents  cannot  part  :) 

Banish'd  from  thee,  my  hope,  my  life,  my  light, 

To  death,  despair,  and  everlasting  night — 

The  thought  is  horror  ! — No,  my  heart  shall  stay 

Here  at  thy  feet,  and  wait  thy  healing  ray, 

To  chase  the  dismal  gloom  ;  one  smile  of  thine. 

One  sweet  forgiving  smile,  is  bliss  divine. 

O  let  me  hear  thy  soul-reviving  voice, 

To  heal  my  sorrows,  and  renew  my  joys  : 

Reveal,  confirm  my  int'rest  in  thy  love, 

And  guilt,  and  fear,  and  darkness  shall  remove, 

So  fly  the  mournful  shades  of  gloomy  night, 

When  radiant  morn  displays  her  cheering  light. 

Jesus,  let  thy  almighty  love  inspire 
My  heart,  my  voice,  and  tune  the  sacred  lyre, 
Let  thy  unbounded  grace  be  all  my  theme, 
And  songs  of  joy  resound  thy  lovely  name  ; 
Till  I  forsake  this  dark  abode  of  clay, 
And  death  unfolds  the  gates  of  endless  day. 
Then  shall  I  learn  the  blissful  strains  above, 
And  all  my  soul  be  harmony  and  love. 


NO   TRUE  HAPPINESS  BELOW 

Xjy  daily  observation  are  we  taught 
(Experience  too  confirms  the  mournful  truth) 
That  perfect  bliss  on  earth  is  never  found. 


OCCASIONAL    POEMS.  293 

When  roses,  gay  and  blooming,  strew  the  path, 
Shaii)  thorns  intrude  among  them,  scattered  thick. 
Nor  can  we  scape  unwounded  ;  sense  of  pain 
Forbids  delight ;  and  all  we  ask  is  ease. 
We  taste  a  moment's  ease  ;  our  wishes  rise 
In  vain  for  happiness,  the  restless  sigh 
Still  heaves,  the  painful  vacancy  remains. 
If  pleasure  laughs  a  moment,  is  the  joy, 
Or  is  the  sigh  which  follows,  most  sincere  ? 
When  sweet  content  serenely  smiles  around, 
Like  a  fair  summer  evening,  ah,  how  soon 
The  charming  scene  is  lost  !  the  deep'ning  shades 
Prevail,  and  night  approaches  dark  and  sad, 
Till  the  last  beam  faint-glimm'ring  dies  away. 

Father  of  spirits,  who  hast  form'd  my  soul 
Capacious  of  immortal  happiness, 
O  send  a  beam  of  heav'n,  dispel  the  gloom, 
Direct  my  upward  view,  and  point  my  path 
To  thee,  in  whom  alone  my  soul  can  find 
That  perfect  bliss  I  seek  in  vain  below. 


TRUE  PLEASURE  IN  DIVINE  MEDITATION. 

Lome,  sacred  contemplation,  heavenly  guest, 
And  bring  the  muse  to  bless  the  lonely  hour. 
Unbind  my  fetter'd  thoughts,  and  bid  them  rise 
Above  these  low,  dull,  tiresome,  empty  scenes, 
To  nobler  objects  ;  spread  the  mental  feast, 
Aa2 


294  OCCASIONAL    POEMS. 

A  rich  variety.     The  heaven -born  mind 

Should  never  meanly  stoop  to  feed  on  trash, 

Nor  mingle  with  the  appetites  of  sense. 

The  heaven-born  mind  requires  immortal  food? 

Such  food  as  earth,  with  all  her  fancied  sweets. 

Can  never  furnish  ;  all  her  fancied  sweets 

Are  bitterness  ;  her  most  substantial  food 

Is  airy  chaff,  and  only  starves  the  mind. 

Ye  happy  spirits,  blest  inhabitants 

Of  paradise,  Oh  !  could  you  aid  my  flight 

To  your  abodes,  or  bring  a  blissful  taste 

Of  your  divine  enjoyments  down  to  earth  ; 

How  would  my  soul  disdain  the  joys  of  sense, 

And  look  on  all  the  good  below  the  skies 

Unworthy  of  her  care  ! — alas,  in  vain 

My  thoughts  extend  their  feeble  flutt'ring  wings  ; 

A  misty  gloom  hangs  heavy  all  around  ; 

I  sink  to  earth — which  yet  my  soul  disclaims, 

Unworthy  of  her  birth  !— .see  while  I  gaze 

Intent,  its  scenes  in  quick  succession  pass  ; 

Each  gay  delusive  form,  which  seem'd  to  please, 

Is  gone  ;  and  nought  remains  but  sad  reflection. 

And  is  there  nothing  permanent  but  grief? 
No  real  good  in  all  the  varied  scenes, 
Which  tire  and  pain  the  disappointed  heart  ? 
Yes,  sad  reflection,  though  in  sable  robe 
Array'd,  with  mournful  aspect,  is  my  friend, 
And  brings  me  real  good  ;  else  my  fond  heart 
Might  still  pursue  in  vain  these  empty  shews, 
Nor  stay  to  ask  for  pleasures  more  sincere. 


OCCASIONAL    TOEMS.  29j 

Then  let  me  listen  to  her  friendly  lore, 
And  learn  the  just,  the  real  estimate 
Of  all  below  the  skies. — But  O  let  faith, 
And  hope,  celestial  visitants,  be  here  ; 
And  cheer  my  soul  with  some  delightful  views 
Of  true,  substantial,  undecaying  good 
In  fair  perspective  ;  distant  scenes  of  bliss 
Immortal,  far  beyond  the  reach  of  sense. 
Let  faith  ascend  with  heaven-directed  flight, 
And  6miling  hope  sit  fast  upon  her  Mings, 
And  bear  my  thoughts,  and  bear  my  heart  on  high. 

O  thou  supreme,  eternal  source  of  good  ! 
Of  good,  which  knows  no  shadow  of  decay  ! 
Wilt  thou,  all-gracious,  beam  one  heavenly  smile, 
Break  through  the  gloom,  and  raise  my  grov'ling  soul; 
And  with  resistless,  sweet  attraction,  draw 
To  thee,  the  centre  of  immortal  joys  ! 
O  bid  my  faith,  and  bid  my  hope  ascend  ; 
For  on  thy  vital  smile  alone,  they  live, 
Thy  favour  is  the  food,  the  life  of  souls  ; 
This  only  can  afford  sincere  delight, 
And  give  a  relish  to  inferior  sweets  : 
Without  it,  all  creation  is  a  blank  1 
A  dreary  void  ! — O  could  my  spirit  dwell 
Beneath  thy  cheering  smiles,  feast  on  thy  love, 
And  in  full  view  adore  thy  bright  perfections  ; 
This  would  be  life  indeed,  a  heaven  below  ! 
This  only  can  refine  the  joys  of  earth, 
And  sweeten  all  its  cares  ;  thus  nature's  charms 
Would  wear  a  pleasing  aspect,  while  my  soul 


296  OCCASIONAL    POEMS. 

Should  trace  the  radiant  footsteps  of  her  Lord 
In  every  lovely  scene  which  nature  yields  ; 
And  all  that  charms  the  eye,  the  ear,  or  taste. 
Be  fairer,  sweeter,  as  it  flows  from  thee. 


THE   FAITHFULNESS   OF  GOD. 

Isaiah  liv.  10. 

I. 

Almighty  Sovereign,  gracious  Lord, 
How  full,  how  firm,  thy  royal  word  ! 

Thy  love,  how  condescending  and  how  kind  ! 
Nor  can  the  power  of  language  more, 
With  all  its  force,  with  all  its  store, 

Confirm  the  sacred  deed,  or  more  securely  bind. 
II. 
Sooner  the  mountains  shall  depart, 
And  from  their  firm  foundations  start, 

Than  thy  eternal  kindness  shall  remove  ! 
Or  I  be  shaken  from  thy  heart, 
If  ever  there  I  had  a  part, 

If  ever  I  possest  an  int'rest  in  thy  love. 
III. 
Yes,  Lord,  thy  promises  are  clear, 
Thy  power  and  faithfulness  appear  ; 

Nor  can  I  doubt  omnipotence  and  grace  : 
But  ah  !  myself,  my  sins  I  fear, 
These  springs  of  doubt  are  ever  near, 

These  gloomy  clouds   which  rise  and  hide  thy  lovely 
face. 


OCCASIONAL    roiLMR.  297 

IV. 

O  let  thy  mercy's  healing  ray 

Arise,  and  chase  these  clouds  away  ; 
Thy  spirit's  witness,  evidence  divine, 

Beam  o'er  my  soul  with  sacred  light  ; 

Then  shall  my  joys  all  pure  and  bright, 
Unclouded  and  serene,  with  pleasing  lustre  shine. 


LOVE   TO  CHRIST. 

John  xxi.  17. 

Omniscient  Lord,  before  whose  awful  eye, 

All  undisguis'ci,  thy  creatures'  actions  lie  ; 

Thou  seest  my  heart  through  every  winding  maze, 

Each  secret  thought  thy  piercing  glance  surveys. 

My  saviour  God — and  can  I  call  thee  mine  ? 

Can  I  each  idol-vanity  resign  ? 

Can  I  to  thee  appeal  without  a  fear, 

Thou  know'st  I  love  thee  with  a  flame  sincere  ? 

Alas  !  I  doubt  my  vile  deceitful  heart  ; 

Back  from  my  lips  the  half-form'd  accents  start  : 

A  thousand  meaner  objects  share  my  love, 

From  thee,  from  thee  my  foolish  passions  rove  ; 

My  conscious  soul  shrinks  at  the  solemn  test, 

And  yet  I  fain  would  hope,  I  love  thee  best  ! 

I  fain  would  hope  !  unworthy,  base  return  ! 

Can  it  be  love,  and  yet  so  faintly  burn  ? 

Didst  thou  forsake  thy  radiant  courts  on  high  ? 

And  freely  lay  thy  dazzling  glories  by  ? 


298  OCCASIONAL    POEMS. 

Assume  the  human  form,  and  wear  the  chains 

Of  guilty  rebels  doom'd  to  endless  pains  ? 

Bear  all  our  sins,  remove  the  ponderous  load 

Of  vengeance  due  from  an  incensed  God  ? 

And  bleeding,  dying  on  the  cross,  atone 

For  mortal  crimes  in  agonies  unknown  ? 

Touch'd  with  the  melting  pow'r  of  love  divine, 

Can  I  refuse  this  worthless  heart  of  mine  ? 

See,  dearest  Lord,  obedient  to  thy  call, 

Asham'd,  repentant,  at  thy  feet  I  fall, 

And  would  resign  myself,  my  soul,  my  all  ! 

O  let  this  stubborn  heart,  this  flinty  rock, 

Soften'd  by  heav'nly  love,  with  sorrow  broke, 

Bath'd  in  the  fountain  of  thy  bleeding  veins, 

Be  fully  cleans'd  from  all  its  guilty  stains  ; 

Till  I  can  say,  without  a  rising  fear, 

Thou,  who  know'st  all  things,  know'st  my  love  sincere. 


DEVOTION. 

Happy  the  mind  where  true  devotion  glows  ! 
Immortal  flame,  enkindled  from  above, 
It  upward  rises,  and  to  God  alone, 
Its  sacred  source,  its  everlasting  centre, 
Aspiring,  trembling,  points  ;  attraction  sweet, 
And  powerful,  though  unseen,  directs  its  aim. 
But  ah  !  too  oft  its  force  abated  sinks, 
Damp'd  with  the  gloomy  fogs  of  sin  and  fear  : 
The  last  faint  spark  scarce  glimm'ring  to  the  sight, 
And  near  expiring  seems,  till  wak'd  to  life 


OCCASIONAL    POEMS.  299 

By  that  all-powerful  word  which  gave  it  birth. 
But  thus  inspir'd,  devotion  flames  anew, 
And  bears  the  soul  above  those  heavy  clouds, 
Which  frequent  rise  and  clog  its  feeble  wings. 
Unfetter'd  thus,  when  thought  expatiates  free, 
What  sweet  inticements  nature's  charms  afford 
To  her  Creator's  praise,  whose  hand  bestows 
Unnumber'd  gifts,  in  fair  variety 
Dispens'd,  where'er  the  gazing  eye  can  reach, 
Or  pleasing  meditation  lead  the  thought. 
Life  and  its  joys  depend  upon  his  smile  ; 
Blest  with  his  smile,  the  soul  can  see  his  hand 
In  every  varying  scene,  and  taste  his  love 
In  every  good  his  bounteous  hand  bestows. 
Inspir'd  by  him,  the  mind  enraptur'd  views 
His  bright  perfections  in  his  wond'rous  works, 
The  wise,  the  powerful,  and  the  gracious  God  ! 
WTide  o'er  the  fruitful  fields  and  verdant  meads 
His  bounty  smiles  !  amid  the  blooming  flowers 
Almighty  skill  appears,  the  breezy  gale 
Wafts  on  its  wing,  his  goodness  in  their  sweets  ! 
On  the  clear  winding  rill  his  goodness  flows  ! 
Descends  in  kindly  showers  to  bless  the  earth, 
Or  silent  falls  in  soft  refreshing  dews  ! 
In  yon  bright  orb,  the  source  of  light  and  heat, 
His  glory  shines  with  dazzling  fervid  ray  ! 
And  mildly  beams  in  every  twinkling  star  ! 
In  all  the  God  appears  !  the  father  smiles  ! 
Omnipotent  and  wise,  and  good,  and  kind  ! 
His  works  all  beauteous  !  all  harmonious  join  ! 
And  charm  the  eye,  and  entertain  the  soul  ; 


300  OCCASIONAL    POEMS. 

Bid  silent  wonder  mingle  with  delight, 
And  flow  in  adoration,  love,  and  praise. 


ENCOURAGEMENT   TO    TRUST    IN   GOD. 

"  Casting-  all  your  care  upon  him,  for  he  careth  for  you." 

*       1  Pet.  vii.  7. 

I. 
JCjngaging  argument  1  here,  let  me  rest 
With  humble  confidence  and  faith  intire  : 
What  less  than  this  can  calm  my  troubled  breast  ? 
What  more  can  my  distrustful  heart  desire  ? 

II. 
Encouraged  by  so  full,  so  sweet  a  word, 
Fain  would  my  soul  forbid  intruding  fears  : 
To  thee,  almighty  Father,  gracious  Lord  ! 
Fain  would  I  bring  my  load  of  anxious  cares. 

III. 
But  can  a  vile,  a  guilty  creature,  dare 
Aspire  to  hope  for  favours  so  divine  ? 
Aspire  to  claim  an  interest  in  thy  care, 
Or  boldly  call  the  glorious  blessing  mine  ? 

IV. 
O  let  my  spirit's  sacred  influence  seal 
The  kind  assurance  to  my  doubling  soul, 
Thy  pard'ning  love,  thy  tender  care  reveal  ; 
The  blissful  view  shall  all  my  fears  control. 


-OCCASIONAL    POEMS. 


THE  WISH, 


Should  lavish  wealth  display  her  shining  stores, 
Or  smiling  fame  her  noblest  wreaths  present  ; 
Should  pleasure,  drest  in  all  her  soothing  charms, 
Approach,  their  profter'd  joys  were  all  in  vain 
To  tempt  my  better  hopes.     There's  nothing  here 
To  feed  th'  immortal  mind  ;  no  earthly  good 
Can  fill  my  large  desires,  sublime  they  soar 
Beyond  this  narrow  scene  of  transient  joy, 
To  God,  the  spring  of  life,  the  source  of  bliss, 
Of  perfect  bliss,  and  everlasting  life  ! 

Low  at  thy  glorious  feet,  eternal  God, 
I  prostrate  fall,  and  humbly  breathe  my  wish. 
I  ask  not  riches,  'tis  but  gilded  care, 
Nor  fame,  nor  pleasure,  fleeting  shadows  all, 
And  vain  delusive  dreams  of  happiness  ! 
No,  'tis  thy  gracious  presence,  Lord,  I  ask, 
The  cheering  beams  of  thy  almighty  love  : 
To  these,  earth's  brightest  charms  appear  no  more 
Than  glow-worms  lost  amid  the  blaze  of  noon. 
An  int'rest  in  thy  favour,  O  my  God, 
Is  all  my  wish — for  this  alone  contains 
Full  happiness. — One  ray  of  solid  hope 
That  thou  art  mine,  is  worth  a  thousand  worlds. 
Thy  presence,  Lord,  can  gild  the  shades  of  death, 
And  turn  the  darkness  to  celestial  day. 
Bb        vol.  i. 


o02  OCCASIONAL    POEMS. 

At  thy  approach,  black  doubt  and  gloomy  fear 
Retreat  like  mists  before  the  rising  sun. 
While  joys  immortal  dawning  o'er  the  soul, 
Diffuse  new  life,  and  give  a  taste  of  heaven. 
O  could  I  see,  on  thy  dear  hand  imprest 
In  lasting  characters  my  worthless  name  ; 
Could  I  without  a  wav'ring  doubt  behold 
Thy  blissful  face,  and  say,  thou  art  my  God  I 
Not  earth  with  all  the  charms  it  has  in  store 
Should  bribe  my  love,  or  draw  my  heart  from  thee 


DIVINE    CONTEMPLATION. 

I. 

JljLow  blest  the  minds  which  daily  rise 
To  worlds  unseen  beyond  the  skies, 

And  lose  this  vale  of  tears  ! 
On  heaven-taught  pinions  while  they  soar, 
And  joys  unknown  to  sense  explore, 
How  low  the  cares  of  mortal  life  !    how  mean  its  bliss 
appears  ! 

II. 
O  for  the  wings  of  faith  and  love, 
To  bear  my  thoughts  and  hopes  above 

These  little  scenes  of  care  ! 
Above  these  gloomy  mists  which  rise, 
And  pain  my  heart,  and  cloud  my  eyes, 
To  see  the  dawn  of  heavenl  v  day*  and  breathe  celestial  air. 


v  ASIONA1. 
III. 

Yet  higher  would  I  stretch  my  flight. 
And  reach  the  sacred  courts  of  light, 
Where  my  Redeemer  rtigns  : 

Far-beaming  from  his  radiant  throne 
Immortal  splendors,  joys  unknown, 
With  never-fading  lustre   shine  o'er  all  the  blissful 
plains. 

IV. 
Ten  thousand  times  ten  thousand  tongues 
There  join  in  rapture-breathing  songs, 

And  tune  the  golden  lyre 
To  Jesus  their  exalted  Lord  ; 
Dear  name,  how  lov'd  1  and  how  ador'd  1 
His  charmb  awake  the  heavenly  strain,  and  every  note 
inspire. 

V. 
No  short-Hv'd  pleasure  there  beguiles, 
Uut  perfect  bliss  for  ever  smiles, 

With  undeclining  ray  : 
Thither  rny  thoughts  would  fain  ascend, 
hut  ah  !  to  dust  and  earth  they  bend, 
l'etter'd  with  empty  vanities,  and  chain'd  to  lifeless  clay. 
VI. 
Dear  Lord,  and  shall  I  ever  be 
So  far  from  bliss,  so  far  from  thee, 

An  exile  from  the  sky  ? 
O  break  these  chains,  ray  wishes  fire, 
And  upward  bid  my  heart  aspire  ; 
Without  thy  aid  I  cannot  rise,  O  give  me  wings  to  fly. 


<0A  OCCASIONAL    POEMS. 


REFUGE   IN   DISTRESS. 

In  a  frail,  shattered  bark,  I  trembling  ride  ; 
.Beneath  me  sin  a  boundless  ocean  spreads. 

Amid  the  dreadful  waves,  or  swell'd  with  tempest, 

Loud  threat'ning  ruin,  and  immediate  death  ; 

Or  smiling  with  a  smooth  deceitful  calm, 

But  hiding  rocks  and  sands  and  sure  destruction, 

A  helpless  voyager  !  nor  skill  nor  strength, 

To  'scape  the  danger,  or  outlive  the  storm. 

Tempestuous  winds  with  direful  fury  rise, 

And  waves,  with  terror  fraught,  incessant  rage, 

To  plunge  me  in  the  fathomless  abyss. 

Thick  clouds  and  darkness  hide  the  face  of  heav'n  ; 

No  friendly  star  appears  to  point  my  course 

To  the  wish'd  haven  of  rest,  the  seats  of  bliss, 

Ah  !  must  I  sink,  forever  lost  ?  >     > 

See  !  through  the  dreadful  gloom  a  cheering  ray 
With  heavenly  radiance  break  !  a  glimpse  of  hope, 
A  smile  of  pity  from  the  Saviour's  face  ! 
To  him  I  lift  my  suppliant  hands  and  eyes, 
To  him  my  voice  with  trembling  accent  raise, 

Lord,  save  me  or  I  perish  ! 

O  thou,  my  refuge,  and  my  only  hope, 
Draw  near  to  my  assistance  ;  let  thy  arm, 
Thy  potent  arm  of  mercy,  oft  extended 
To  sinking  dying  wretches,  be  my  stay. 


OCCASIONAL    POEMS.  30.5 

Thy  sovereign  voice  can  still  the  raging  sea, 
Can  hush  the  warring  winds  and  waves  to  peace. 
And  bid  the  clouded  sky  be  all  serene  i 
O  speak,  and  smiling  comfort  shall  attend 
The  charming  sound,  and  drive  my  fears  away. 

Thou  art  my  star  :  O  let  thy  beams  impart 
Light  to  my  eyes,  and  comfort  to  my  soul. 
Direct  my  course,  and  let  thy  gracious  arm 
Be  ever  near,  my  all-sufficient  guard. 
Then  shall  I  never  sink,  though  storms  should  rise, 
And  winds  and  waves  in  all  their  fury  rage  ; 
But  o'er  the  swelling  surge  securely  ride, 
Thy  cross  my  anchor,  and  thy  word  my  guide  : 
Till  death  shall  land  me  on  the  blissful  shore, 
Where  sins,  and  fears,  and  dangers  are  no  more. 


HOPE    REVIVING    IN    THE    CONTEMPLA 
TION   OF   DIVINE    MERCY. 

x  e  restless,  dark,  distracting  fears,  be  gone  ! 
For  mercy,  kind,  inviting  mercy,  smiles  ; 
No  more,  my  trembling  soul,  indulge  no  more, 
These  gloomy  doubts  ;  shall  diffidence  prescribe 
Limits  to  sovereign,  free,  unbounded  mercy  ? 
With  transport  let  me  hear,  with  joy  obey 
The  blissful  word,  which  bids  my  soul  approach 
The  throne  of  grace,  and  ask,  nor  ask  in  vain, 
For  pardon,  life,  and  peace  j  a  full  supply 
Bb2 


306  OCCASIONAL    POEMS. 

For  all  my  wants  :  divine  beneficence  I 
The  object,  how  unworthy  !     Gracious  God, 
Increase  my  rising  hope  to  thankful  joy, 
And  bid  my  heart  with  pleasing  rapture  trace 
The  wonders  of  thy  love  :   amazing  theme  ! 
The  song  of  angels,  and  the  bliss  of  heaven  ! 
How  shall  my  heart  receive  the  vast  idea, 
Or  feeble  words  express  it  ?     Scanty  power 
Of  human  thought — the  force  of  language  fails, 
And  soaring  wishes  flag  their  strongest  wing  I 
The  starry  heav'ns,  immeasurably  high 
Are  raised  above  the  globe  ;  but  higher  far 
Thy  thoughts,  thy  ways,  above  my  utmost  reacll 
What  finite  pow'r  can  ever  comprehend 
The  infinite  extent  of  love  divine  ? 
Launch'd  on  the  boundless  ocean,  every  thought 
Is  lost  in  pleasing  wonder  !  love  divine  ! 
Created  wisdom's  most  exalted  pitch 
Angelic  force  can  never  sound  the  depth, 
Th'  unfathomable  depth  !  can  never  reach 
Th'  immeasurable  height  ! 

Yet  may  I  meditate,  adoring  low 
fts  countless  glories,  in  the  sacred  word 
Display'd,  and  shining  all  serene  and  mild. 
And  while  I  meditate,  O  may  I  feel 
Its  quick'ning,  healing,  life-diffusing  ray, 
And  all  my  soul  subdu'd  by  love  and  mercy  ; 
Mercy,  which  in  th'  eternal  purpose  dwelt 
For  man,  (lost,  guilty,  miserable  man  !) 
Long  ere  the  worlds  arose,  or  man  was  form'd. 


OCCASIONAL    POEMS.  307 

Mercy,  which  mov'd  the  Son  of  God  to  leave 

Th'  immortal  splendors  of  his  glorious  throne, 

For  this  low  world,  array'd  in  mortal  flesh, 

To  suffer  all  the  sorrows,  pains,  and  woes 

Of  human  nature  in  its  lowest  form  ; 

A  servant  !    Oh,  what  miracles  can  mercy? 

What  wonders  can  almighty  love  perform  I 

Almighty  love,  which  bore  the  cruel  scoffs, 

The  restless  spite,  and  persecuting  rage 

Of  impious,  harden'd  wretches  ! — patient  bore  ! 

When  with  a  single  frown  he  might  have  sunk  them 

Quick  to  the  caverns  of  eternal  death. 

But,  Oh  !  yet  farther  let  my  soul  pursue 
The  wond'rous  labyrinth  of  love  divine, 
And  follow  my  Redeemer  to  the  cross  ; 
Nail'd  to  the  cross,  his  hands  and  feet  all  torn 
With  agonizing  torture  ! — Can  my  heart 
Behold  those  wounds,  and  not  weep  tears  of  blood  ." 
His  blood  was  shed  for  sin,  his  sacred  side 
Deep  piere'd,  pour'd  forth  the  vital  crimson  flood, 
Ordain'd  to  cleanse  and  expiate  mortal  crimes. 
For  mortal  crime  what  loads  of  wrath  unknown 
Were  due  !     Almighty  justice,  arm'd  with  terrors, 
Pour'd  the  full  vial  on  his  guiltless  head, 
Of  vengeance  for  the  infinite  offence 
Of  guilty  man  against  its  sacred  laws. 
He  bore  it  all  !  he  in  the  sinner's  stead 
Sustain'd  the  dreadful  storm,  and  by  his  death 
Th'  immortal  work  was  finish'd  I  full  atonement, 
Full  satisfaction  made  ;  amazing  scene  ! 


303  OCCASIONAL    POEMS. 

Stupendous  sacrifice  !  mysterious  love  1 
He  died  ! — the  Lord  of  life,  the  Saviour  died  1 
All  nature  sympathizing  felt  the  shock  ! 
Earth  groan'd,  and  trembled  to  her  inmost  centre  ! 
The  sun  withdrew  his  beams,  and  wrapt  his  face 
In  sable  clouds,  and  midnight's  deepest  shade, 
To  mourn  the  absence  of  a  brighter  sun, 
The  sun  of  righteousness  eclips'd  in  death  i 
A  short  eclipse  !  for  soon  he  rose  again 
All-glorious,  and  resum'd  his  native  skies  ! 
There,  with  full  brightness  and  unclouded  ray, 
Forever  shines,  dispensing  light  and  bliss 
Through  the  bright  worlds  of  uncreated  day. 

His  rays  far-beaming,  visit  this  dark  world  ; 
And  through  the  clouds  of  guilt,  the  shades  of  death. 
Break  the  fair  glimmerings  of  etherial  morn  : 
O  may  they  reach  this  dark,  cold,  lifeless  heart, 
And  kindle  light  divine,  and  vital  warmth 
Through  all  my  powers  !    Arise,  O  blissful  Sun, 
Dispel  the  clouds  of  sin,  and  doubt,  and  sorrow  : 
Shine  with  all-potent  and  resistless  beams, 
And,  in  the  sweet  assurance  of  thy  love, 
Spread  the  bright  dawn  of  heaven  around  my  soul. 
And  when  this  mortal  part,  this  feeble  frame, 
Sinks  down,  and  mingles  with  its  native  dust  ; 
Let  my  free,  joyful  soul,  exulting  rise 
On  angel-wings,  to  those  divine  abodes, 
Where  thy  bright  presence  in  full  glory  shines  ; 
Transform'd  to  thy  fair  image,  cloth'd  in  light, 
Mix  with  the  tuneful  choir,  thy  love  redeem'd, 


OCCASIONAL    POEMS.  30y 

In  endless  praise  : — O  bliss  beyond  conception  ! 
In  silent  rapture  all  my  soul  adores. 


EUSEBIA    AND    URANIA,    OR     DEVOTION 
AND    THE    MUSE. 

EUSEBIA. 

Oay,  dear  Urania,  silent  why  so  long  '? 
I  languish  for  thy  sweet-reviving  song. 
Wilt  thou  unkind,  neglect  a  sister's  moan, 
And  leave  me  wretched  to  complain  alone  r 
Oft  has  thy  lyre  my  ardent  joys  express'd, 
And  breath'd  the  ardent  wishes  of  my  breast. 
Oft  have  thy  sympathizing  strings  complain'd. 
And  gently  sooth'd  my  heart  with  anguish  pain'd. 
Once  more,  Urania,  try  thy  pleasing  power, 
And  animate  this  dull,  this  languid  hour. 

Urania. 
Thy  active  life  must  wake  the  silent  strings  ; 
For  when  Eusebia  breathes,  Urania  sings. 
But  fainting  efforts,  and  unmeaning  sighs 
Can  never  teach  the  feeble  notes  to  rise. 
'Tis  gratitude  and  love,  'tis  warm  desire, 
Or  grief  sincere  attunes  the  heaven-taught  lyre. 
When  thy  heart  labours  with  the  sense  of  pain, 
In  sympathizing  accents  I  complain  : 
And  when  from  earth  thy  soaring  thoughts  arise, 
My  kindred  notes  attend  them  to  the  skies. 


310  OCCASIONAL    rOEMS. 

Ah  !  where  is  now  the  heart-oppressing  sigh  : 
Or  where  the  ardent  wish  that  pierc'd  the  sky  ? 
Does  not  Eusebia  sleep  supine  on  earth, 
Almost  forgetful  of  her  heavenly  birth  ? 

Eusebia. 
No  more,  my  friend  ■       at  length,  alas  !  I  see 
The  change,  the  mournful  change,  is  all  in  me. 
My  heavenly  birth  ! — the  thought  awakes  my  pain  ; 
And  shall  I  sleep  regardless  of  the  chain, 
The  hateful  chain,  which  holds  me  from  the  skies  ? 
Nor  once  look  upward  with  desiring  eyes  ? 
Ah,  wretched  state  !  yet,  dear  Urania,  say, 
Extinguished  is  the  joy-inspiring  ray  ? 
Lost  is  that  heavenly  flame  in  mortal  night, 
Which  once  attractive  led  our  upward  flight  : 
Its  vital  warmth  these  fetters  could  unbind, 
And  earth  no  more  detain  the  heaven-born  mind. 

Urania. 
Extinguish'd  !  No — immortal  is  the  flame 
Which  animates  my  dear  Eusebia's  frame. 
Though  late  with  such  a  sickly  beam  it  shone, 
When  fainting  accents  breath'd  thy  languid  moan  : 
Celestial  love  can  never,  never  die, 
It  will  revive,  and  seek  its  native  sky  ; 
To  its  divine  Original  it  tends, 
And  on  almighty  power  its  life  depends. 
Though  earth-born  vapours  gloomy  intervene, 
And  cloud,  with  night's  dark  shade,  the  mournful  sceae, 
If  love's  unchanging  source  his  beams  display, 
The  intercepting  gloom  shall  fleet  away, 
And  grateful  transport  hail  the  rising  day. 


OCCASIONAL    l'OKMS.  311 

Task  mi  A. 
Thou  friendly  power,  how  kind  thy  cheering  strain  ! 
This  blissful  hope  will  mitigate  my  pain. 
Arise,  O  Sun  of  righteousness,  arise, 
With  sweet  attraction  draw  me  to  the  skies. 
Thy  healing  beams  my  every  grief  can  chase, 
Great  Spring  of  life,  unveil  thy  radiant  face. 
Awake  desire,  and  hope,  and  love,  and  joy, 
Fill  heaven  alone  my  raptur'd  soul  employ  ! 

Urania. 
And  heaven  alone  deserves  Eusebia's  care  ; 
The  loveliest  scenes  on  earth  no  more  are  fair 
When  Jesus  is  withdrawn  ;  his  smiles  bestow 
A  glimpse  of  heaven,  a  paradise  below. 
Then  Oh,  what  splendor  fills  those  happy  plains, 
Where  in  full  glory  our  Immanuel  reigns  1 
Diffusing  life,  and  love,  and  joys  unknown, 
Through  all  the  blissful  myriads  round  his  throne. 
Ten  thousand  thousand  tuneful  voices  raise 
Their  sweetest,  loftiest  notes  to  sing  his  praise  ; 
While  all  the  golden  harps  of  heaven  resound 
Triumphant  love  with  endless  glory  crown'd. 

Eusebia. 
Transporting  view  !  O  for  a  seraplrs  wing- 
To  bear  me  to  thy  courts,  my  Lord,  my  King  ! 
O  happy  state  !  how  sweet,  divinely  sweet, 
To  bend  adoring  at  thy  glorious  feet  1 
How  should  I  wonder  that  my  pow'rs  could  be 
So  languid  here,  so  cold  to  heav'n  and  thee  I 
Blest  hour  of  liberty,  when  we  shall  rise, 
Urania,  to  those  ever-smiling  skies  1 


S12  OCCASIONAL    POEMS. 

Where  not  a  cloud  shall  spread  its  transient  gloom, 
But  undeclining  joys  immortal  bloom. 
There  shall  thy  soothing  lyre  no  more  complain, 
But  tun'd  to  rapture  breathe  a  nobler  strain. 
Extatic  praise  and  boundless  joy  inspire  ' 
The  meanest  voice  in  that  immortal  choir. 
Come,  my  Urania,  aid  my  rising  thought  ; 
In  the  bright  hope  be  every  care  forgot. 

Urania. 
Hail,  glorious  hope  ;  how  sweet  the  distant  view  ! 
Ye  little  cares  of  earth  and  time  adieu. 
Fain  would  I  stretch  my  willing,  joyful  flight, 
With  my  Eusebia,  to  those  worlds  of  light  ; 
Where  praise  and  harmony,  unknown  below, 
Forever  with  unwearied  ardour  flow. 
But,  ere  we  reach  the  blissful  seats  of  day, 
Eusebia's  earthly  mansion  must  decay  ; 
Then  death,  (kind  friend,)  shall  bid  the  pris'ner  rise, 
And  join  the  raptur'd  concert  of  the  skies. 
Meanwhile  Urania  joins  her  sister's  cares, 
Partakes  her  joy,  and  in  her  sorrow  shares. 
And  if  thy  smile  inspire  the  humble  song, 
Thy  name,  dear  Saviour,  shall  employ  her  tongue  ; 
And  Jesus,  and  Salvation,  shall  resound 
In  echoes  of  delight  the  groves  around. 
Divine  employ  !  to  sing  thy  lovely  name, 
While  list'ning  angels  join  the  glorious  theme  ! 


OCCASIONAL    POEMS. 


AMBITION. 


I. 
JLiET  Fame  the  shining  annals  spread- 
Where  she  records  her  mighty  dead, 

And  boasting,  promise  an  immortal  name  ! 
Vain  is  her  boast,  her  proud  parade 
Sinks  in  oblivion's  dreary  shade  ; 

Time,  all-destroying  time,  forbids  the  claim. 
II. 
Let  her  employ  her  utmost  power, 
With  radiance  gild  the  present  hour, 

(_'Tis  all  she  can)  her  fairest  wreaths  display  ; 
What  is  the  envy'd  prize,  decreed 
The  living  Conqu'ror's  glorious  meed  ? 

At  best,  the  fading  triumph  of  a  day. 
III. 
The  Christian  seeks  a  nobler  prize, 
A  fairer  wreath  attracts  his  eyes, 

Divine  ambition  in  his  bosom  glows  j 
Plis  hopes  a  crown  immortal  fires  ; 
Jesus,  the  Lord  of  his  desires, 

On  faith,  and  humble  love,  the  crown  bestows. 
IV. 
Honours  unconscious  of  decay, 
While  ages  rise  and  roll  away, 

Secur'd  by  perfect  truth's  unchanging  word  ; 
The  victor's  palm>  the  robe  of  state, 
Laid  up  in  heaven,  the  Christian  wait, 

Triumphant  through  his  dying,  rising  Lord 

Cc  VOL.   I. 


314  OCCASIONAL    POEMS 

V. 

His  name,  enroll'd  among  the  just. 

When  sculptur'd  monuments  are  dust, 
And  mortal  glory  sinks  in  endless  night  ; 

Shall  with  immortal  lustre  shine, 

Wrote  by  the  hand  of  love  divine 
In  life's  fair  book,  in  characters  of  light. 
VI. 

Such  is  the  Christian's  glorious  prize  ; 

Thus  high  his  hopes,  his  wishes  rise, 
Inspir'd  by  blest  ambition,  heaven-born  flame  ! 

O  thou,  the  source  of  bliss  divine, 

My  heart  renew,  exalt,  refine  I 
Nor  let  me  bear,  in  vain,  the  Christian's  name. 


CHRIST    THE    CHRISTIAN'S    LIFE. 

I. 

O  for  the  animating  fire 

That  tun'd  harmonious  Watts's  lyre 

To  sweet  seraphic  strains  ! 
Celestial  fire,  that  bore  his  mind 
(Earth's  vain  amusements  left  behind) 

To  yonder  blissful  plains. 
II. 
There  Jesus  lives,  (transporting  name  !) 
Jesus  inspir'd  the  sacred  flame, 

And  gave  devotion  wings  ? 


OCCASIONAL    TOKMS.  C15 

\\  Ufa  heaven-attracted  flight  she  soarM, 
The  realms  of  happiness  explor'd, 

And  smil'd,  and  pitied  kings. 
III. 
Come,  sacred  flame,  and  warm  my  heart, 
Thy  animating  power  impart, 

Sweet  dawn  of  life  divine  ! 
Jesus,  thy  love  alone  can  give 
The  power  to  rise,  the  power  to  live  ; 

Eternal  life  is  thine. 
IV. 
If  in  my  heart  thy  heavenly  day 
Has  e'er  diftus'd  its  vital  ray, 

I  bless  the  smiling  dawn  ; 
But  oh,  when  gloomy  clouds  arise, 
And  veil  thy  glory  from  mine  eyes, 

I  mourn  my  joys  withdrawn. 
V. 
Then  faith,  and  hope,  and  love  decay  ; 
Without  thy  life-inspiring  ray, 

Each  cheerful  grace  declines  ; 
Yet  I  must  live  on  thee,  my  Lord, 
For  still  in  thy  unchanging  word 

A  beam  of  comfort  shines. 
VI. 
The  vital  principle  within, 
Though  oft  depress'd  with  fear  and  sin, 

Can  never  cease  to  be  ; 
Though  doubt  prevails,  and  grief  complains, 
Thy  hand  omnipotent  sustains 

The  life  deriv'd  from  thee. 


16  OCCASIONAL    POEMS. 

VII. 

O  come,  thou  life  of  every  grace, 
Reveal,  reveal  thy  lovely  face, 

These  gloomy  clouds  remove  ; 
And  bid  my  fainting  hope  arise 
To  thy  fair  mansions  in  the  skies. 
On  wings  of  faith  and  love. 
VIII. 
There  life  divine  no  languor  knows, 
But  with  immortal  vigour  glows, 

By  joys  immortal  fed  : 
No  cloud  can  spread  a  moment's  night, 
For  there  tBy  smiles  immense  delight 

And  boundless  glory  shed. 


THE  COMPLAINT  AND   RELIEF. 

W  hen  pensive  thought  recals  the  scenes  of  life, 
And  full  in  view  the  varied  landscape  rises  ; 
While  mem'ry  draws  the  line,  and  fancy  paints 
The  mingled  light  and  shade  in  due  proportion  ; 
Intruding  melancholy  often  blends 
Her  sable  dye,  and  deepens  every  shade, 
Till  all  appears  a  mourning  piece  of  woe  ; 
And  my  impatient  heart  at  length  exclaims, 
Ah,  what  is  life  ?  what  glimpse  of  real  joy 
Has  ever  smil'd  to  bless  the  gloomy  scene  ? 
Anxieties,  and  fears,  and  pains,  and  sorrows, 
Thick  interwoven,  rise  in  every  part, 
Through  all  the  dreary  wild  :  If  e'er  delights 


OCCASIONAL    POEMS.  317 

Seem'd  buckling  here  and  there  amid  the  thorns, 
Touch'd  by  the  wasting  canker,  soon  they  fell  ; 
Or  nipp'd  by  chilling  wintry  blasts,  declin'd  : 
Xor  one  fair  blossom  ever  cheer'd  my  sight. 

So  withers  all  my  bloom  of  life  away  ! 
So  pain  and  sickness  waste  this  sinking  frame  ! 
The  ling'ring  hours  roll  heavily  along, 
All  dark  and  sad  ;  save  where  some  transient  gleam 
Lights  a  short  blaze,  and  vanishes  away, 
Birth  of  a  moment ! — Such  is  mortal  bliss  !— 
Is  mortal  bliss  no  more  ?  is  this  the  all 
Of  happiness  that  earth  can  e'er  bestow  ? 
A  momentary  ray  I  a  short-liv'd  meteor  ! 
Let  me  reflect  again — were  blooming  health, 
That  best,  that  dearest  earthly  blessing  mine  ; 
Were  pleasure  mine,  and  all  its  tempting  charms 
Still  brighten'd  with  unsullied  innocence  ; 
Should  fortune  smile  auspicious  on  my  life, 
And  lavish  pour  her  gifts  beneath  my  feet  ; 
Could  all  the  gifts  of  fortune,  health,  or  pleasure^. 
Give  permanent  delight,  or  solid  bliss  ? 
Ah  no  !  they  all  are  empty,  vain,  and  fleeting  ! 
Earth's  fairest  gifts  united,  can't  bestow( 
One  happy  hour  of  real  satisfaction. 
Can  air  suffice  the  craving  appetite, 
Or  empty  shadows  yield  substantial  good  ? 

Man  has  desires,  capacious  as  his  soul, 
Desires,  which  earthly  joys  can  never  fill. 
Can  mortal  food  sustain  the  immortal  mind, 
Cc  2 


318  OCCASIONAL    POEMS. 

Or  her  unbounded  wishes  fix  on  ought 
Below  the  skies,  as  equal  happiness  ? 

No,  were  the  brightest  scenes  of  mortal  bliss 
Display'd  before  me,  crown'd  with  young  delights  ; 
Should  smiling  pleasures  rise  in  fair  succession, 
The  earth  all  blooming,  all  serene  the  sky  ; 
The  thoughts  of  death  would  cloud  the  gay  meridian 
With  midnight  shades  ! — And  see,  the  tyrant  comes  1 
His  arrow  flies  ! — Down  sinks  the  golden  scene 
In  everlasting  darkness  I 

But  Oh  i  the  soul,  that  never-dying  part, 
Survives  the  ruin  !  then  her  vast  concerns 
Appear  in  all  their  infinite  importance. 
On  worlds  unknown,  amaz'd  the  stranger  enters, 
Heir  to  eternity  of  bliss,  or  woe. 
Eternity — delightful,  dreadful  name  ! 
What  mind  can  grasp  the  infinite  idea  ? 

Eternity  of  woe  I  tremendous  sound, 
Fraught  with  despair  !  unutterable  horror  ! 
What  heart  can  bear  the  distant  apprehension 
Of  the  ten  thousandth  part  of  half  its  terrors  ? 

Eternity  of  bliss  !  transporting  thought  ! 
But  thought  can  never  reach  the  faintest  shadow 
Of  joys  forever  bright,  forever  full  ! 

What  awful,  infinite  concerns  depend 
On  this  poor,  slender,  trembling  thread  of  life  ! 
Time — how  inestimable  is  the  treasure  ! 
How  precious  every  day,  and  every  hour  ! 


OCCASIONAL    POEMb.  BIS 

And  could  my  foolish)  my  repining  heart 

Complain,  they  move  too  heavy  ?     Gracious  God, 

Forgive  the  rash  complaint,  the  guilty  folly  ! 

By  thee  instructed,  O  may  I  employ 

The  fleeting  remnant  of  my  precious  time 

In  that  important  work  for  which  'tis  giv'n, 

In  preparation  for  eternity. 

Confiding  still  in  thy  almighty  arm, 

My  God,  my  strength,  (all  impotence  myself,) 

On  thee  I  lean  :    O  make  me  persevere, 

And  ardent  striving  grasp  the  blessed  hope 

Thy  sacred  word  displays — the  blessed  hope 

Of  life  eternal  through  a  Saviour's  death  ! 

Be  this  my  refuge,  my  unfailing  comfort, 

In  every  painful  hour  !     O  may  thy  spirit 

Apply  that  healing  balm  for  every  wound, 

A  dying  Saviour's  blood  !  that  full  atonement 

For  all  my  guilt  !  that  source  of  purity 

To  sinful  souls  !  that  antidote  for  death  ! 

That  fountain  of  immortal  happiness  ! 

And  nought  below  immortal  happiness 

Can  satiate  the  desires,  the  vast  desires, 

Which  animate  the  soul,  which  bid  it  rise 

Above  this  dying  globe,  this  nest  of  worms. 

And  may  a  worm,  a  little  particle 
Of  breathing  dust,  (for  such  the  frame  that  holds 
This  soul,  this  vital  spark  of  heavenly  flame,) 
Aspire  to  mix  with  angels  ?     Yes,  for  m?n, 
For  sinful  man  renew'd,  hath  heaven  decreed 
A  place  amongst  those  spotless  sons  of  light. 


320  OCCASIONAL    TOEMS. 

The  rebel-angels  from  their  glory  fell, 
Whelm'd  in  the  depth  of  everlasting  woe, 
Without  one  ray  of  mercy  ;  while  for  man- 
Here  let  me  pause  and  wonder — while  for  man, 
For  guilty,  rebel  man,  the  Saviour  bled  ! 
For  traitors,  doom'd  to  never-ending  torture, 
He  bled  to  purchase  life,  and  happiness  1 
Redeeming  loye  and  mercy  is  the  source, 
The  boundless  ocean  of  immense  delight, 
Where  all  our  thoughts  are  lost  in  vast  amazement. 
Redeeming  love  is  the  delightful  theme 
Which  tunes  the  golden  harps  of  paradise 
To  notes  of  extasy  !  to  endless  rapture  ! 
This  can  irradiate  all  the  gloomy  scenes 
Of  mortal  life,  and  tune  the  jarring  strings 
Of  nature  ! — This  can  change  the  deepest  groans 
Of  pain  and  sorrow,  all  to  harmony, 
And  joy,  and  praise  ! — O  may  its  sacred  power 
Reach  this  poor  languid  heart,  enkindle  life 
Through  all  my  fainting  frame,  and  raise  my  soul 
To  join  with  angels  in  the  strains  of  heaven  ! 

My  Saviour  God,  O  loveliest,  dearest  name, 
That  e'er  my  ear  receiv'd,  or  tongue  pronounc'd  ! 
While  hoping,  yet  almost  afraid  to  hope, 
That  thou  art  mine,  I  breathe  the  charming  sounds 
In  faultering  accents  ;  wilt  thou,  gracious,  seal 
My  humble  claim,  exalt  my  trembling  hope 
To  full  assurance  ?    Let  thy  holy  spirit 
With  pow'rful  and  convincing  attestation 
Confirm  my  wav'ring  faith,  reveal  my  name, 


OCCASIONAL    POEMS.  321 

My  worthless  name,  in  thy  fair  book  of  life, 
In  everlasting  characters  engraved. 
Disperse  my  fears,  and  till  my  inmost  soul 
With  joy  unspeakable  and  full  of  glory. 

O  blissful  state  !  on  earth  my  wish  supreme  ! 
Sweet  prelibation  of  immortal  joys  ! 
Possess'd  of  this,  I  could  resign  the  world, 
Nor  heave  a  sigh,  nor  shed  one  parting  tear. 
Then  death  were  welcome,  and  the  frowning  aspect 
Of  nature's  foe  would  change  to  heav'nly  smiles. 
Then  would  I  spurn  the  globe,  and  rise  attended 
By  guards  celestial  to  the  realms  of  bliss  : 
To  thy  bright  presence,  O  my  Saviour  God  ; 
To  dwell  forever  in  the  vast  delights 
Thy  smiles  bestow  !  there  in  transporting  strains 
To  join  the  heavenly  chorus  ;  all  my  powers 
Uniting  in  immortal  praise,  and  honours, 
To  thy  ador'd,  to  thy  exalted  name. 
There  Jesus  and  salvation,  boundless  theme, 
Shall  swell  the  boundless  song  ;  and  tune  the  notes 
To  extasy  !  the  rapture-breathing  strain 
Unmeasur'd,  but  by  vast  eternity. 


A   THOUGHT   IN   SICKNESS, 

How  weak,  how  languid  is  th'  immortal  mind  ! 
Prison'd  in  clay  !  ah,  how  unlike  her  birth  ! 
These  noble  powers  for  active  life  design'd, 
Depress'd  with  pain  and  grief,  sink  down  to  earth. 


322  OCCASIONAL    fOEMS. 

II. 

Unworthy  dwelling  of  a  heaven-born  guest  ! 
Ah,  no  ! — for  sin,  the  cause  of  grief  and  pain, 
Taints  her  first  purity,  forbids  her  rest ; 
And  justly  is  she  doom'd  to  wear  the  chain. 

III. 
To  wear  the  chain — how  long  ?  till  grace  divine 
By  griefs  and  pains  shall  wean  from  earthly  toys  ; 
Till  grace  convince,  invigorate,  refine, 
And  thus  prepare  the  mind  for  heavenly  joys. 

IV. 
Then,  O  my  God,  let  this  reviving  thought 
To  all  thy  dispensations  reconcile  ; 
Be  present  pains  with  future  blessings  fraught, 
And  let  my  cheerful  hope  look  up  and  smile. 

V. 
Look  up  and  smile,  to  hail  the  glorious  day, 
Jesus,  to  thee  this  blissful  hope  I  owe,) 
When  I  shall  leave  this  tenement  of  clay, 
With  all  its  frailties,  all  its  pains  below. 

VI. 
Jesus,  in  thee,  in  thee  I  trust,  to  raise 
Renew'd,  refin'd,  and  fair,  this  frail  abode  j 
Then  my  whole   frame  shall   speak   thy  wond'rous 
Forever  consecrated  to  my  God.  [praise. 


A  REFLECTION  ON  A  WINTER    EVENING. 


.N  ow  faintly  smile  day's  hasty  hours, 
The  fields  and  gardens  mourn, 


OCCASIONAL    POEMS.  32. 

Nor  ruddy  fruits,  nor  blooming  flowers 

Stern  winter's  brow  adorn. 
II. 
Stern  winter  throws  his  icy  chains, 

Encircling  nature  round  : 
How  bleak,  how  comfortless  the  plains  ! 

Late  with  gay  verdure  crown'd. 
III. 
The  sun  withdraws  his  vital  beams, 

And  light  and  warmth  depart, 
And  drooping,  lifeless,  nature  seems 

An  emblem  of  my  heart. 
IV. 
My  heart,  where  mental  winter  reigns. 

In  night's  dark  mantle  clad, 
Confin'd  in  cold  inactive  chains, 

How  desolate  and  sad  ! 
V. 
Ere  long  the  sun  with  genial  ray 

Shall  cheer  the  mourning  earth, 
And  blooming  flowers  and  verdure  gay 

Renew  their  annual  birth. 
VI. 
So,  if  my  soul's  bright  sun  impart 

His  all-enlivening  smile, 
The  vital  ray  shall  cheer  my  heart  ; 

Till  then,  a  frozen  soil. 
VII. 
Then  faith,  and  hope,  and  love  shall  rise 

Renew'd  to  lively  bloom, 


124  OCCASIONAL    POEMS. 

And  breathe  accepted  to  the  skies, 

Their  humble,  sweet  perfume. 
VIII. 
Return,  O  blissful  sun,  and  bring 

Thy  soul-reviving  ray  ; 
This  mental  winter  shall  be  spring, 

This  darkness  cheerful  day. 
IX. 
But  while  to  this  low  world  confin'd 

Where  changeful  seasons  roll, 
My  blooming  pleasures  will  decline, 

And  winter  pain  my  soul. 
X. 
O  happy  state,  divine  abode, 

Where  spring  eternal  reigns  ; 
And  perfect  day,  the  smile  of  God, 

Fills  all  the  heavenly  plains. 
XI. 
Great  source  of  light,  thy  beams  display, 

My  drooping  joys  restore, 
And  guide  me  to  the  seats  of  day, 

Where  winter  frowns  no  more. 


THE    ELEVATION. 

I. 

W  hile  I  survey  the  azure  sky 

With  wonder  and  delight, 
A  thousand  beauties  meet  my  eye, 
A  thousand  lambent  glories  deck  the  night. 


OCCASIONAL    POEMS.  o2i 

I  do  not  ask  to  know  their  names, 
Nor  their  magnitude  inquire  ; 
What  avails  it  me  to  prove 
Which  are  lix'd,  and  which  remove  ? 
Let  the  sons  of  science  rove 
Through  the  boundless  fields  of  space, 
And  amazing  wonders  trace  ; 
Bright  worlds  beyond  those  starry  flames, 
My  nobler  curiosity  inspire. 
II. 
When  o'er  the  shining  plain, 
Thought  ranges  unconfin'd, 
Night  with  her  sparkling  train 
Awhile  may  entertain, 
But  cannot  fix  the  mind. 
The  restless  mind,  insatiate  still, 
(Which  all  creation  cannot  fill,) 
Fain  would  rise 
Beyond  the  skies, 
And  leave  their  glitt'ring  wonders  far  behind. 
Beyond  them  brighter  wonders  dwell, 

By  mortal  eyes  unseen  ; 
Not  angel  eloquence  can  tell 
The  endless  glories  of  the  blissful  scene. 
Wonders,  all  to  sense  unknown  ! 
Glories,  seen  by  faith  alone  ! 
Come,  faith,  with  heaven-illumin'd  ray, 
Arise,  and  lead  the  shining  way, 

And  teach  my  longing  mind 
The  path  of  life  to  find  ; 
A  path  proud  science  never  found 
In  all  her  wide,  unwearied  round  ; 
Dd        vol.  i. 


326  OCCASIONAL    POEMS. 

A  path  by  bold  philosophy  untry'd  : 

Nor  will  I  ask  the  twinkling  eyes  of  night .; 

The  sacred  Word  alone  directs  my  flight, 

Nor  can  I  miss  my  way  with  this  unerring  guide. 

III. 
From  awful  Calvary  the  flight  begins  ; 
For  there  the  burthen'd  mind 
Divine  relief  can  find  ; 
'Tis  there  she  drops  her  load  of  sins  ; 
Accursed  load,  which  held  her  from  the  skies  ! 
'Tis  love,  almighty  love, 
Which  bids  the  load  remove, 
And  shews  the  heavenly  way,  and  bids  my  soul  arise 
Jesus,  the  true,  the  living  way 
To  the  blissful  realms  of  day  ! 
Come,  dearest  Lord,  my  heart  inspire 
With  faith,  and  love,  and  warm  desire  ; 
And  bear  me,  raptured,  to  the  blest  abode, 
Thy  glorious  dwelling,  O  my  Saviour  God. 
IV. 
In  those  happy  worlds  are  given 
To  the  favourites  of  heaven, 
Mansions  brighter  far 
Than  the  brightest  star 
Which  gilds  the  fair  etherial  plains. 
Stars  must  resign  their  temporary  ray, 
These  shine  resplendent  with  immortal  day, 
Nor  cloud,  nor  shade,  their  spotless  glory  stains. 
Radiant  mansions,  all  divine  ! 

They  shall  forever,  ever  shine 
With  undecayiug  light  ; 
When  stars  no  more  shall  set  and  rise, 


OCCASIONAL    POEMS.  327 

And  all  these  fair  expanded  skies 
\re  roll'd  away,  and  lost  in  everlasting  night. 
V. 
Adieu,  ye  shining  fields  of  air, 
Ye  spangled  heavens,  that  look  so  fair, 

And  smiling  court  the  eye  ; 
Your  fading  beauties  charm  no  more, 
While  contemplation  lost  in  sweet  amaze, 
Dwells  on  the  splendors  of  a  brighter  sky  : 
But,  O  my  soul,  at  humble  distance  gaze, 
With  trembling  joy  adore. 
There  reigns  th'  eternal  source  of  light, 
Full-beaming  from  his  awful  throne 
Dazzling  glories,— oh,  how  bright  ! 
To  thought  unknown. 
Too  strong  th'  unsufferable  day 
For  the  strongest  angel's  eye  ! 
Seraphs  veil'd  and  prostrate  lie 

Adoring  at  his  feet  ; 
But  love  attempers  every  ray, 
And  mingles  holy  awe  with  bliss  divinely  sweet 
VI. 
Extatic  joy  !  immense  delight ! 
Here  fainting  contemplation  dies, 
The  glory  overwhelms  her  sight  ; 
Nor  faith  can  look  with  stedfast  eyes. 
No  more,  my  soul,  attempt  no  more 
Those  awful  glories  to  explore, 
From  frail  mortality  conceal'd. 
Yet  in  the  sacred  word 
I  may  behold  my  Lord  ; 


328  OCCASIONAL    POEMS. 

In  those  celestial  lines 
A  ray  of  glory  shines, 

Pointing  upward  to  the  skies  ; 

Scenes  of  joy,  though  distant,  rise, 
To  faith,  and  hope,  and  humble  love  reveal'd 
VII. 

Jesus,  whom  my  soul  adores, 

O  let  thy  reviving  ray, 

(Sweet  dawn  of  everlasting  day,) 
With  heavenly  radiance  cheer  my  fainting  powers 

And  when  I  drop  this  mortal  load, 

Free  and  joyful  to  the  sky 

Let  my  raptur'd  spirit  fly,     . 
With  unknown  swiftness  wing  the  aerial  road, 
And  find  a  mansion  in  thy  bright  abode. 

Transporting  thought — and  shall  I  see 

The  heavenly  friend  who  died  for  me  ? 

While  seraphs  tune  the  golden  lyre, 

Jesus,  to  thy  charming  name, 

Let  me  join  the  blissful  choir, 

Thy  love  the  everlasting  theme  ! 

But  not  the  joy-resounding  lay, 

Harmonious  o'er  the  worlds  above, 

Through  endless  ages  can  display, 
Dear  Saviour,  half  the  glories  of  thy  love, 


END    OF    VOLUME    I. 


GTaJ 


